Of course there is racism in this world. I've seen it's ugly head first hand working in the hospital. I've also seen more of the opposite, love and kindness for each other.
But sometimes, it seems you can't win.
In all honesty, white people don't know what black people want. Using the word 'black' makes some black people mad. Respectfully, I don't get that.
That is a description needed to be used at times. Just as white is.
I heard a wise black educator describe what he told his child when he came running home crying that a boy at school called him a poor black kid. He told him yes, you are black and yes you are a kid. He was wrong to call you poor. He taught him to be proud when he was called black, not ashamed of it.
First the race wanted and deserved to be included in everything all people got to do. Then when they were, they began to differentiate themselves in reverse and isolate themselves. The races are divided more due to this. It's very confusing.
Thanks
2007-03-13 15:49:14 · 8 answers · asked by john33446 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
just call them black. If they get offended then they are racist since they are ashamed of their own race.
2007-03-13 15:57:18 · answer #1 · answered by OOOOLALA 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are more times than not when you don't know the person's name, and it is normal and required to describe a person by age, height, race, hair color, etc.
Come one people, we all know that.
To say why not call them by their name is AGAIN being defensive. AGAIN, what is wrong with saying, "Oh, it was the black girl over there looking for you." Suddenly certain people around you tense up and look at you with daggers; usually black people. Waiting and EXPECTING something bad to be said. When a black person says the same thing but with white, no one notices. Because whites don't see that as a personal attack; they haven't been called a bad name.
All I'm saying is, know who the enemy IS and who IS NOT. We KNOW there is racism, but don't throw the good out with the bad. Look for allies!! Notice the allies, they are there. We are there. Don't run them off assuming all are against you.
Assume the best, not the worst, even if you have seen the worst. Good attracts good. :)
Also, there are times when medical issues or illness only pertain to blacks, only to whites, etc. SIckle cell for example. Race is part of our make up. It just is!
2007-03-13 16:44:15 · answer #2 · answered by Marie123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sensitivity comes from continued oppression.
People of color are trying to figure out what makes their lives easier. The rest of the population doesn't care to keep up with this so everyone gets confused. People of color have all the right in the world to define what they are to be called.
Until we can become more culturally educated and actively fight continued oppression such concerns will always exist.
About terminology its about respecting what each person wants. That is where people get confused. You just can't group people together, that is racism and stereotyping, even if you are using appropriate terminology. Each person is different and will want you to use different terms when referring to them. With practice this becomes easy and second nature. The reason people don't get it is because they don't try and get it, they get frustrated and don't work at it.
It is something worth working towards, fighting cultural ignorance.
2007-03-13 18:35:36 · answer #3 · answered by RedPower Woman 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There are many who profit off of creating racism. In reality very few people are racist. Most just want to be fair and helpful to all, regardless of color or ethnicity.
If you follow the money trail you'll see why racism is destined to never be a thing of the past.
2007-03-13 16:00:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What I don't get is when black people call each other the N word..but then get mad when other races call them that!
2007-03-13 15:56:59 · answer #5 · answered by ~ T-Mo ~ 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i see you didn't mean people of other races you ment blacks and it's not that being black is the problem it's the you can't go in a store without being stared at or followed like your going to steal people believing your on welfare becauser of your color no job you know all that bull and thats not what i call included
2007-03-13 15:58:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Alcohol deprevation ---- you put 20 people in a room from all walks of life and add some alcohol what you'll have is a great time ---- without the booze.....It's very confusing.
2007-03-13 15:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by airmandan10 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
how about, instead of trying to find a good world to call someone, ask them their name, and then call them that?
2007-03-13 15:58:12 · answer #8 · answered by chase i 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋