Do you think that the majority of White Americans are racist? There was a question posted yesterday, and unfortunately deleted, where someone made the statement, "Blacks know that the MAJORITY of whites are racist." Does racism really exist to this extent? Are White Americans failing to see the racism right under their nose?
2007-10-31 03:08:33 · 12 answers · asked by Holy Macaroni! 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Hmm, hate to be negative, and I hesitate to say majority, but a lot of whites are racist and naive to discrimination of minorities. Of course it's not like they choose to be this way but a lot comes from how they're raised and how ever present stereotypes in the media that even minorities buy into sometimes. As a society we are all to blame for that but things are changing and within the next 50 years who's to say what race relations will be like... Hopefully better, I mean look at the past it can only get better!
2007-10-31 06:17:14 · answer #1 · answered by Fatima K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. A racist is someone who believes that race is a primary determinant of one's behavior and characteristics, and that one race is inherently superior above the rest.
Originally white people were the racists, because they spent centuries colonizing the rest of the world and trying to convince them that the white race is superior.
This ended relatively recently, and many of the oldest generations may retain some of these beliefs. But I think it's beautiful and miraculous that in as little as one to two generations a majority of people have rejected the idea of a "superior race," and made strides toward true equality.
Racism does exist. But it's horrible to say it's the "majority" of white people, or that it's only white people.
2007-10-31 10:37:06 · answer #2 · answered by Real American 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think everyone's racist to a certain extent.
If you're white, ask yourself - if you were walking down a dark alley and you see two men coming towards you, one white and one black, who would you HONESTLY be more scared of?
A lot of time and energy has been put into sending out the message that black people are inferior, and I don't think denying racism does anything other than sweep it under the carpet.
The only way we're going to be able to improve things is to first admit to the fact that we all, somewhere deep down, are at least tiny bit racist against somebody.
2007-10-31 10:29:52 · answer #3 · answered by bonniethon (puirt a buel) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People are people. Institutional Racism represents power, and White Americans are the ones in power. It is generally thought of in terms of race based oppression. Prejudice and discrimination often get confused for racism. Because everyone has money, racism in America has gotten a face lift. It's now about power and control-only in the context of calling whites racists.
This sociological concept changes in so-called minority cultures. Minorities cannot be racists in the power sense but can be racists in terms of discriminating against anyone who does not look like them or act like them.
In South Texas and in predominantly hispanic cities, racism against non-hispanics is accpeted as a power movement. They are encouraged to oppressed other groups in the name of "La Raza Unida." No other ethnic practice such ethnic racism in the name of a unified race. With so much emphasis being placed on "La Raza," they boldly keep out others in places or work and in social services arenas. To date, this is the only known racist practice that has been unopposed by non hispanics.
German or Irish Americans would be sued and taken to court with thousands of lawsuits hanging over their heads. Be that as it may, this is an everyday practice for those who live in cities that are predominantly latin.
In all fairness, hispanics are the real racists, for they practice it openly and knowingly while everyone else sits back and simply ignore the obvious.
2007-10-31 11:32:09 · answer #4 · answered by Richard S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not think the majority of White America is racist. I do think the few that air get a lot of exposure. I also think that it's more acceptable for non-whites to be racists and make racist comments. It's a double standard. Good luck. 2D
2007-10-31 14:11:59 · answer #5 · answered by 2D 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
jesus, DB cooper, you get that from the "hitler handbook for isolated kids who want to be leaders?" or "i'm a happy aryan?" lol
i think it's safe to say that, depite its problems, the US is definitely a thriving society.
to answer your question, i think alot of what racism has turned into for white americans is a lack of understanding of cultural differences. there are VERY FEW bonafide hood wearing racists, but many who just are completely insensitive to and ill-equipped to deal with racial and cultural differences. the newer generation of americans deal with it better....and it will only improve.
but yes, i agree that the black perception is that the majority of whites are racist, but isn't that a race generalization, too? :) whaddayagonnado? hahaha
2007-10-31 10:32:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the majority of Whites are racist.
2007-10-31 10:16:09 · answer #7 · answered by sweetlady 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Define "racist."
Having some prejudicial tendencies? Sure; EVERYONE has those, of all races, most people tend to like those like us and shy away from those significantly different.
Ready to join lynch mobs and deny rights to others simply because of their race? No, not the majority.
2007-10-31 10:29:10 · answer #8 · answered by Brent Y 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well its on the news and certainly on here, one racist is one racist too many.
2007-10-31 10:14:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think most Whites don't want to recognize that there is racism because they benefit from it and don't want to change because they don't want to give up privileges received from racism. Look at the history of this country.
2007-10-31 10:22:04 · answer #10 · answered by MJ 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋