Why can't some people learn see a person of a different race as an individual?

Question

The only reason people become racist is because they might have a bad experience with one or two people and just generalize and assume that because other people have similar "racial" background that they act the same. The unfair part is that they don't judge people within their race like that, they see them as individuals. Why can't some people mature and follow the simple phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover". Don't be so shallow:)

I'm human of course I judge sometimes, but I don't assume that all people outside or within my race are the same. I don't think those ridiculous things about all White people Jaime, obviously you do.

Answer 1

"The only reason people become racist is because they might have a bad experience with one or two people and just generalize and assume that because other people have similar "racial" background that they act the same."

----Unfortunately, this ISN'T the only reason. Some people are raised by racist parent(s)/guardian(s) and are exposed to racist nonsense throughout their entire childhood. And many of them are so "set" in their ways after so many years of "programming" that they never give one moment of thought to the possibility that there is a world beyond what they were taught. However, some DO think about the possibility but have no desire to change. They are so determined to cling to their racist beliefs that they ignore everything else.

Then there are others who fear everyone who is different from them, and they allow that fear to manifest itself in the form of racism. They make a bunch of assumptions simply because they're afraid and refuse to listen to reason regardless of what they learn and what they observe.

And there are those who hate. They look for any excuse to hate, including race. There are also those who make assumptions based upon all of their observations, whether positive or negative, whether significant or insignificant. And these assumptions feed more assumptions. They stereotype without exercising the slightest bit of common sense. They become so steadfast in their racism that they have no interest whatsoever in learning (or accepting what they may have already learned).

"The unfair part is that they don't judge people within their race like that, they see them as individuals."

----Actually, racists do judge people of their own race(s). While their generalizations about their own race(s) are often "positive", they are race based assumptions just the same. But, often times, they are NOT "positive".
A couple of examples-
"Black people who talk ''proper'' are trying to be white."
"White women who date black men are wh*res."
While these assumptions are obviously not made about ALL black people and ALL white women, they are indeed race based assumptions. Many black racists only think the above of BLACK people who talk "proper" (as they call it). And many white racists only think the above of WHITE women who date black men. The sad truth about racism is that it hurts EVERYONE.

"Why can't some people mature and follow the simple phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover"."

----Because many people don't want to. Some are honestly ignorant and need only to be educated and informed. But there are numerous people who have absolutely no desire to change regardless. Racism doesn't adhere to common sense or the obvious. It's easy to disregard and to remain stupid. Alas, this is the choice of countless people in this world.

Answer 2

its the same whether it's race, or "fatness" or ugliness, or geekiness,or gayness or religioness ... whatever. ANYONE is up for bashing. It's for real and it cant be fixed with legislation. NO ONE can change the hearts of people with legislation. You can punish, but you can't change. The amazing thing is that the more people try to "force" change , the worse it gets. The bottom line is that we need to be a free people and be allowed to think the way we want. Thats just the way it is. You Can never bring about moral change by law. The problem lies in the notion that somehow we are supposed to have some "right" to live without being offended. There will never be a society in which someone is not 'offended". Where someone's rights aren't trampling on someone elses rights. Sooo. We need to just suck it up , and live and let live. If someone hates me, thats their right. And I would fight for them to have it.

Answer 3

Maybe it's because they are to caught up in their own lives and don't think beyond their noses. And to be quiet frank, everyone at some time or another seems to fall into this. It happens to me when I am tired and frustrated and more than likely, waiting in line somewhere. I don't mean to fall but at times I do. I bet you do to. We are all trying, it's just some of us are trying harder. Maybe give those that you feel are racist something to think about. Once, while in the grocery store picking out my vegetables, I heard to Jewish women talking about how this new bride had gained weight after the wedding and how horrible it was. Me being a 300 lb woman for most of my adult life took offense and butted in. I looked at these women and said "there are somethings worse off in life then being over weight!" They both looked at me aghast and said "well I never." My reply was "well maybe you should, you never know what you might learn." I still remember the look on their faces, wish I had had a camera. You would have loved they indignation. Ah, it's all life, learn to work with it and it's a lot easier then fighting it.

Answer 4

It seems like in our society we are always stressing the difference between people and not the thing we all have in common. Because this is stressed way too much to people that it spills over into our personal and business lives and we generalize people of different races based on stereotypes.

I will even admit that I have done it before based solely on appearance of another person. It really is hard not to do. However, it takes time to get to know a person and learn what they are really about.

Answer 5

Most of the people on this category that are being racist are just doing it to make it us angry. They wouldn't do it without the safety of being hidden by a computer. But the people that are real racist are close minded or have had a bad experience with on person and don't know better than to stereotype an entire group.

Answer 6

It starts with the parents. The parents should set a good example -- should have friends of varying ethnicities, orientations, and ages. The child should learn how to properly behave in company and how to LISTEN.. What a great world would be opened to that child if their parents did this. Kids should find out about the beauty of Kwaanza, the beauty of Hanukah, Christmas, and other ways that diffferent races celebrate special holidays.

Once the child goes to school the teachers and the school curriculum should INCLUDE exposure to and lessons on other ethnicities and races and their cultures, as well.

We are born on this earth not to just earn our living, or to "get ahead", but to enjoy the beauty around us -- and it would be a soul-expanding experience to understand the beauty in all cultures.

I grew up in NY City in the 50's-- it was definitely a melting pot. Auntie took me to the UN once-- I was blown away by all the people walking down the halls, wearing their different native dress, speaking different languages. How fascinating!!!!

And in my school yard, if you insulted anyone -- regardless of race -- man, you had better DUCK quickly!! We all knew how to fight back and....we usually had friends (and parents!!!) who would stick up for us.

Countering intolerance boils down to this statement to the person who is "dissing" other cultures or races : "Your perception of this person's 'inferiority' is NOT that person's reality."

Answer 7

It all starts in it be elementary or Jr high school. One racist thing is said, then another, then another, until they become racist them self. The key is to undo it when you grow older and wiser but its hard when the issues come up like they do all over the world and you just want to defend yourself. Then while defending yourself you starting getting mad and throwing racial slurs or judge-mental debating go's on and on. The key is to calm down and not to soop to the level of the ignorant. Its a hard thing to do and have went through it myself and still argue today about racial issues, but I hate nobody.

Answer 8

I really don't think that people really hate other races as much as they let on. It gets them a lot of answers to their questions.
But do you notice the majority of answers are not racist.
A few neanderalls write racist remarks that are stupid and childish. But the majority of intelligent people realize that the color of ones skin hardly has anything to do with the way he acts.

Answer 9

Stupidity!

Answer 10

I was in over 30 fights growing up and what I learned is that ignorance can wear any color mask. People must be accepted for who they are but ignorance is my enemy.