Why is there still so much racism, in the US?

Question

I know that because of differences and lack of acception there will always be racism and prejudices. I ask the question more so to express how much it damages us as people.

Answer 1

Racism will always be around as long as ignorance is bliss.

Answer 2

I think it's amazing there's as little racism as there is in the US. I mean look at how far we've come. I grew up in the deep deep south and while there was certainly racism, it was much milder than is portrayed in books and films. Whereas you don't have to go too far back to find that racism was a whole different animal that had a huge daily impact on everyone lives.

Nowadays I think racism still holds on for just a couple of reasons (most of which are slowly diminishing).

1. The race card is played politically even when it does not apply. This happens waaay too much... ususally its used in context of smearing an opponent or preventing your opponent's arguments from being heard. This misapplication of the 'racist' charge is extremely harmful to race relations because it's completely unfair and causes resentment.

2. The term itself is too broadly applied. I don't think eskimo women are attractive and I'll never date one. That's my perfect right as a human being (to judge someone's physical appearance may be shallow but I can date who I want). Nevertheless there are people out there that would accuse me of racism simply for a judgement call on what I personally find attractive. I also don't date ugly or fat girls... again my right to decide who I'll date, yet somehow I get less static for expressing that sentiment than if I was to point out 'I don't date latinos' or whatever.

3. Racist jokes are often very funny. Maybe it's because they're taboo. But as long as the jokes are funny, they will continue to be used. My favorite: 'How does every race joke start?' Then look furtively from side to side...

4. Racism (and sexism) is alive and well in our government today in the form of racial quotas in government and schools. This 'reverse racism' implies that somehow if you are a minority you are inherently flawed and need the government to make sure you don't have to work as hard for a legitimate position. Not only does the enforcement of quotas screw up earning a position on merit alone, it fosters great resentment for everyone involved.

5. There are 'race leaders' who make their living presenting the argument that minorities can't make it without organized leadership pushing a race agenda for them. These people have a vested interest in keeping racism alive and convincing their constituents that they actually do something for them (besides hold them back). I'm glad I'm not a minority, I'd hate it if some guy got up and claimed to be a 'leader in the white community' and presumed to start speaking for me.

Answer 3

Their are so many prejudices around. You are worried about racism. This is it. A man likes prejudices if it favours him. Moreover it is not about racism, even brothers vie for better things. I dont want that racism should end and other prejudices should stay.

Answer 4

not sure you should worry bout racism like you do. only if you act totally ignorant will you have to wworry about it. be youself. try to have consideration for others, be polite, be nice and you wouldnt have to worry bout racism. i say this because this black woman moved into my building which used to be quiet, and since she has moved in bout 1 month ago i have not had wink of sleep. always shouting and laughing and screming in the middle of the night with ll her friends, banging doors at about 2 am, total disregard for the fact tht other people live in the building who have to wake upp at 6 am. now a woman like that will get lots of negativity and hostility from everyone, especially white people because white people need just a little exscuse to hate you. you catch my drift??