What makes you Racist?

Question

I was raised in the south. I have several friends that are married to another race. I love them.
I also have more friends from another race than my own. I love them also...

But, I still would not be happy if a member of my family did the same.
I am so confused.. How can I love everyone and get along with everyone but, still be upset if my daughter was to marry someone from a different race?

How do i change my ways?

Also.. what would you consider an unracist person?

Answer 1

Hmmm.... interesting....

I have a diagnosis for this condition: "As long as it's not me" syndrome.

Actually, sorry to have to break it to ya.... you are racist...but heah... that's OK!

We ALL are to some degree or another. Even the most 'unracist' person, when stressed or angry, (ie: being repeatedly cut off in a car by a certain ethnic group ) will for however briefly, think of their ethnic origin in a negative light.

It's called human nature.

I say this as a visible ethnic minority. Unfortunately, I'm a bit racist too!... even against others of my 'race' but who are different from my culture.

You can't really change your ways. You can only be aware of them.

Answer 2

It's very difficult to overcome the beliefs that we were raised to accept, no matter how stupid and ridiculous we ultimately know these beliefs to be. Especially, if we still live within the culture that created these beliefs. I recommend that you do some traveling. Travel to culturally diverse places within the US and the the rest of te world.Experiencing life outside of our limited little towns/cities is the only way to realize the true ignorance we encase ourselves in when we hold racist beliefs.

Also, read "Guns, germs and steel" by Jared Diamond. I think many "white people" truly believe that there is some inherent differences between them and other races. This is simply ignorance hogwash. Research into race, genetics, and evolution will make it quite clear where we ultimately ALL came from. Ironic and tragic, considering the beliefs that many so called white Americans hold.

By the way, as an unracist person, I would concern myself more with the type of person my child married. Their education, morals, the way they treated my daughter (even when I wasn't there). I would be proud if my daughter married a Colin Powell or other successful, well educated man, no matter their race. Better than an ignorant, backwater, white hick who disrespects my daughter and teaches my grandchildren to hate.

Answer 3

Deep down you must think that you are superior to another race. It is hard to accept this, but this is what racism basically is.

Not always a mixed relationship is a good idea. You have to go by the character and upbringing and cultural background. This can be a great problem in a relationship. My own experience. We are both white, but from different culture. That alone was a MAJOR issue in the first 5 years of our relationship.

A lot of people from the south are really bad!! You know that. But good too! The same with other races. Look for values that can enrich your life and keep away from faults that can torn you in pieces.

Answer 4

Racism is caused by pride, believing that we are better than others.

I hate to say this but you are racist; the color of a person's skin bothers you. You said you would be upset if your daughter was to marry a person of another race.

You can change your ways by remembering that we are all equally created in the image of God and He loves us all equally.

Answer 5

Sometimes you don't have to change your ways...This entire country is in a constant mini race riot...The media tries to blow everything out of proportion with fuels the fire...It is natural to be a little racist, blacks sure are. Unfortunately if you wore a 'white power' t-shirt you are racist, but black power is accepted...BET TV and Ebony/Jet magazines are fine as they are for blacks...just like there are black universities like Hampton and Grambling, but if there were white ones it would be 'segregation'. I have had many black friends in life however I would hate to see my daughter date a black guy, in fact I would do everything in my power to stop it...Do I feel guilty for this? No, I was born and raised in New York and see how things really are...now that I live in rural North Dakota - the most white state in the country (our county has 99.2% white .8% indian) I see the news and wish I moved here sooner...good luck with you feelings, there is nothing wrong and malicious about them.

Answer 6

I treat everyone w/respect,politeness. I have no racist feelings in my heart. I have roots to the south w/racist relatives(dump hicks). Give everyone the chance you'd want!! And for marriage, I don't care if they are GREEN as long as they are good to my daughters,grandkids. You sound as if your enviroment taught you to think that way, just learn a new way of thinking, it sure makes life easier!!

Answer 7

You can change your ways by droping your guard. If you knew me I could assure you that I would make you love everyone because nothing is better than to have a friend who love's you for who you are instead of what you are.

Answer 8

Being a racist means believing in the inherent superiority of one race over another. Someone with views such as yours could be approaching the situation from a number of perspectives: culture, politics, tradition, environment, etc.
Racism, by and large, is the hobgoblin of whipped, feeble minds.

Answer 9

Thats something you're either going to have to find a way to deal with or maybe therapy. I'm not an expert on this but if you think its serious enough, seek out help.

Answer 10

Racist people make me vigilant, and aggressive