Is it only racism when it is guided towards a minority?

Question

In many shows on regular television, cable or satellite I have heard the term "Whitey", "Cracker" and "Honkey" yet there is no uproar about this, no one seems to think it is racist, but the minute someone drops the "N Bomb" all hell breaks loose, fingers are pointed, people go to rehab and sensitivity classes. Why?

Answer 1

It has to do with the history of the term. Of course it's racism if someone were to use a racially derogatory term towards another, but society has made it seem acceptable to insult white people while it's improper to attack any other group. This is unjust but society makes it acceptable and the liberals push for the "protection" of blacks and other "sensitive" minorities. Of course if someone were to call Arabs or Muslims "ragheads" on TV then no one would care either, which is just a matter of how much pressure these "sensitive" groups can put on lawmakers and politicians.

Also certain events such as slavery (from ages ago, even though any Black person today has the same opportunities as a white person in the same socioeconomic sratum), or the holocaust (we didn't do it, but we have to abide by AIPAC's influence on our politicians), and what have you help affirm the minority's perceived "right" for "justice" and special treatment.

Answer 2

According to the system of power, and the myth of reverse-isms, it is. The myth of reverse-isms basically says that yes, it is possible for a minority to be prejudice, but at the end of the day, they have no social power...In other, for an example, A white man comes in to get a job, and the employer is a black woman. If she doesn't give him the job because of his skin color, though it may effect his personal life, he still has more power simply because he is a white male. Therefore, more than likely if he goes somewhere else, not only will he get the job, he will also probably get better paid.
Ask people would they rather be called a cracker or a N-word...and there you go.
But at the end of the day, in my personal opinion, every sort of judgement is wrong. Or along the famous adage.."Why can't we all just get along?"

Answer 3

Because this country caters to the "darker skinned" of the human species without concerning themselves with the true facts that they ("darker skinned persons") are more likely racist than any white person. They have Black Entertainment T.V.? What if there was a White Entertainment T.V.? And what the hell happened to MTV and MTV2? It seems that's all those channels cater to is the "Darker" styles of things. Oh, and by the way you can thank this countries senators for voting against having the "English language" the primary language in the United States. Oh, and by the way they also voted for the "illegals" to be eligible for "Our Social Security Benefits" We've paid for! Whats going on? If they want equality than express equality, equally for "ALL" not just for a specific race or class of people!

Answer 4

No it is racisim period! There is also racisim within the races - such as people not wanting red heads, or brunettes and thinking that one type of person is better looking or better than another. In the African American race there is something a light skinned darked skinned thing and the words no matter what race your in when you're called that name it hurts - when we all realize that there is only one race - the human race it would be a better place - but I guess that is a utopia. As far as the N bomb there have been other bombs too - you can't say words like what Isaiah what ever is his last name said on prime time tv. We as a human race need to be more careful on how we treat and respect one another. There are boundaries and we need to adhere to them no matter the race or sexual preference and we need to remember words hurt - no matter what they say in the children's rhyme about sticks and stones but name will never hurt me - they do hurt....

Answer 5

You know, that's why i don't watch B.E.T or any comedy channels, I don't even watch MTV. I think that if anyone gets called a cracker or the N word, it's racism. White people just ignore it though because you do not see anyone standing out against it. That's why I'm going to be a civil rights lawyer and fight for racism all together

Answer 6

Because society as a whole has unfortunately accepted the fact that minorities are allowed to be offended, but whites are not...It's complete BS. Blacks are blacks, not "African-Americans". Whites are whites, not "European-Americans". Mexicans are Mexicans, not "Mexican-Americans", especially the ones who are here illegally.

Blame liberalism. If I said I was going to hire a bunch of Mexicans to mow my lawn, the liberals would go F'ing nuts saying I was a racist, blah, blah, blah. Now if I said that I would NEVER hire Mexicans to mow my lawn, liberals would go F'ing nuts saying I am a racist. WHICH IS IT? Once again, blame liberalism.

Racism is racism no matter WHO it is towards. Calling someone "black" doesn't constitute racism any more than calling someone "white" does. Locking your doors when you drive through the ghetto doesn't constitute racism, but rather common sense. Stating that there are more black men ages 18-35 in prison than in college doesn't constitute racism, it is a FACT. People need to learn the damn difference...

Answer 7

Racism and bigotry can be directed to anyone. It seems the easiest way to insult someone is by pointing out a difference from ourselves. Why do people do this? Because of ignorance. Why bother if someone is stupid let them wallow in their own stupidity don't let them take you down in the ignorance road be better than that. thank them for their comment and say I don't accept it and walk away. Bigots are not worth it. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Answer 8

Racism:
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

I see nothing specific in the definition

Answer 9

No, I've met many racists who also happen to be in the "minority". Here's another question: what are we going to call it when the "majority" becomes the "minority"? IE: In Miami Dade County, FL, there are more hispanics than caucasions. Does that mean the whites can now say whatever they want and it's ok? What about in cities where there are more blacks than whites? Hmmmm....

Answer 10

Good question and good observation.Here, have a star. I KNOW it can't be racism if negative comments are just directed against the minority populations but it certainly seems that way. Personally, I don't find negative comments against Caucasians to be offensive but then again I'm in the majority.