"Racist" vs. "Stereotypical"?

Question

Do you think it's fair to say that you could make a statement that was stereotypical without being racist? For example, saying "black people like to eat fried chicken" or "white guys like stock car racing" is stereotypical, sure. But is it still racist if it doesn't imply anything negative about the group?

Answer 1

I think that it isn't racist as long as it can't be construed as a negative remark.


me and my boyfriend have this debate often.

My partner (who is white "middle-class" and works in media) tends to think that any comment which acknowledges race in any way and makes any statement about it that isn't wholeheartedly positive (no matter how mundane or observational) is racist, especially if it directed towards black or Asian people.

I (mixed race- of African and Indian descent, working class from a council estate) think that it isn't racist unless it is of a derogatory and negative view and in some cases, even this can be more of a stereotypical observation than pure racism.
Being of mixed race I have both encountered and observed racism from many angles.

I think it is awful that it is only widely acknowledged when it is white people attacking black people or white people attacking Asian people as, being of white appearance (especially since dying my hair blonde), I have be racially abused by Asian and black people as well.


I disagree with people who deem every comment as racist. As long as you aren't hating whole nationalities for their culture and beliefs or being negative think that it is important to recognise our differences in order to better understand an accept them.

Saying that differences don't exist or that it is racist to so much as mention these differences is ridiculous and does not generate tolerance, only resentment.

Answer 2

Stereotypcal answers are usually generalities NOT based on fact.

Not all black people like to eat fried chicken.
Not all white guys like stock car racing (and some hate it.)

I heard someone say once that "people with southern accents are just stupid."

After living all over this country, including the South, I know for a FACT that that's not true....stereotypical....and not true.

Answer 3

Generally speaking, I would stay away from both racist and negative stereotypical remarks. As a Black woman, yes...I do like fried chicken, but that is not all I want to be known for. Statements like that do tend to offend some people, while others may think it's ok. In order to avoid offending someone, just keep comments like that to yourself. Just my opinion.

Answer 4

This is a problem within the Yahoo Answers community that I have noticed. People have an incorrect notion of what it means to be racist. Racism is the act of deliberately treating someone negatively due to their race. The stereotype issue may be bad in some ways, but certainly does not connotate racism.

Answer 5

As a black woman i wouldn't find it to be racist as mush as i would find it to be offensive. Reason being because it just to broad. Not all black people eat fried chicken and not all white men like stock car racing...its always curtious to watch what you say, because we should all care about someone's feelings when saying something. But to answer your question, no i dont think its at all racist...remember this: its not what you say but how you say it!!

Answer 6

1st of all, please completely dismis my Copycat up there. My screename is Raynebow_Diva. He uses Raynebow_divas in attempts to piss me off. lol. Im actually quite flattered! :-) Anyway, my answer to your question is that Racist remarks and stereotypical comments often go hand in hand, but not always. Its true! Most black people do like chicken! But not all. And most other races eat chicken as well. So some stereotypes are just a little outlandish and ridiculous.

Answer 7

I love this question! It really depends individual to individual. I know some blacks that have no problem with the fried chicken/watermelon thing. They say "h*ll yeah!". Some get really offended. Whatever. Im white and I don't get into car racing, but Im not going to gun someone down for asking me if I like Nascar because im white! I'd just say "No, I love football!" Black people make fun of the white mans inability to dance. White boys just laugh uncomfortably and deal with it. Now, if you said that blacks are better at javalin throwing.....Well, you get the point.

Answer 8

It's too general. There are alot of white people who love chicken! And I know some black people into stock car racing.

It's like saying because I'm black I'm "ghetto"('ve met some white people who are more "ghetto" than I can ever imagine being), am violent, eat greens only (I do love them, they're good for you!), have alot of children, on welfare, etc. (None of which is true) I work everyday and am currently working towards a Master's degree.

It doesn't account for the individuality of us all. Streotyping is the gateway for racism.

Answer 9

Yes, it's still racist. You are still making a prejudice remark about a group of people. If I said Hispanics are very considerate that would be racist, but is it really an insult.

I wish people were more free to make comments like the ones you gave as an example. There is no freedom from offense.

PS. I do love chicken.

Answer 10

Well if you want to get technical it is because the origins of the word are andswerien, andswerian, andswarian and andswaru all meaning to answer. So the kept the w in place because it was in the original spelling. I agree with you though it is sort of a silly letter to be there because it serves no purpose, but now that I have grown accustomed to spelling the word that way I couldn't imagine spelling it any other way. Anser =( Ansir =( Answer =) It just doesn't look right misspelled. It will just have to be among the other words with silent letters that really don't need to be there such as.. castle..silent t and handkerchief..silent d Good question though =)