What is the differene between folkish and racist?

Question

For the record I do know, but I have noticed that many people, mainly pagans, don't. Boar Heart where are thou? Hehe
Anyways I wanted to see what people THOUGHT it was

Well hello Primero. I haven't seen you in while, good afternoon.
Who said folkish was racist? (to my first answerer)

Nope sorry Laff try again :)

I know a lot of people who use the term "folkish". :)

Answer 1

Want to know the real difference?
I can tell you.

Someone who is folkish works to advance their folk.

Someone who is racist works to degrade OTHER folk so that their folk look better by comparison.

Answer 2

Folkish is a reference to things being of, from or related to a aprticular group. Many nordic pagans refer to their path as being "folkish" and in the context they use the term it is hightly accurate. The term itself does not, and I repeat does NOT imply, infer or otherwise describe a set of beliefs or traditions that are in anyway superior to other ways, traditions of beliefs simply by their existance as part of a particular culture or belief system.

Racist, simply, and most accurately referes to the idea that becasue something is part of a particular group it is therefore superior to everything else because that particular group is superior to everyone else by the very fact of its existance.

UNFORTUNATELY, both proponents of the folkish aspects of certain belief systems AND opponents of those systems in general tend to use the two terms interchangably with no regard for the accuracy of the term.

For example, many White supremeis racist groups use the synmbology of and claim ties ot the ancien Nordic gods and religion, therefore they claim that because they are White, and the religions is from a country that was white it and they are superior to everyone else by that simple fact of being white.

Many that disagree with the idea of people following the ancient gods are quick to point out the ethnic ties in this belief system and confuse that with racism. (the fact that some racist groups actively encourage this belief doesn't help either.)

Somehow, the idea that if you are Pro-something then you have to be ANTI-everything else had found its way into the collective conscious and so things of a folkish nature are misunderstood and misinterpreted by both those that SHOULD know better and those that don't want to know better.

And I'll stop here before I start to ramble....

Answer 3

I know Folkish Heathens - they say the difference is that most Folkish Heathens think that people should look to their own culture and heritage before following the Asatru path if you're not of Northern European descent. For example: If you're Celtic/Indian (a large mix of people in the US) then you should research those religions first before seeking Asatru.

Racist Folkish Heathens INSIST that you be of Northern European descent to be in Asatru.

Answer 4

Racist means hatred towards a race. Folkish means to lean towards one's own race... it has nothing to do with hating other races. In religion, it's more about coming to understand the beliefs and ways of one's own ancestors. My ancestors are Cherokee, German, Welsh and Scottish. Though I love to read the history about the entire world, I am closer to the Folk Ways of my own Ancestors than I am to those ways of the Russians or Chinese. That doesn't mean I hate people of other races.

Answer 5

A folkish belief is a feeling of pride of your people - whomever they are. The religion, beliefs, etc. of those people, should stay with those people. After all, why would anyone want to follow what another people follow? They don't "hate" anyone not of their people, they believe they should follow the ways of their ancestors and other people should follow the ways of their own ancestors.

Answer 6

Isn't this apples and oranges?

I mean most people I'd describe as folkish are interested in their own ancestors, as opposed to discriminatory or oppressive of other people's ancestors.

But then again, I trained in anthro, so I know that ethnocentricity has a time and place.

Answer 7

i don't know anybody who uses the term folkish, but i would use it to describe the ethnic traditions of a certain group of people, and the people who follow those traditions. i would never assume that it included racism, unless racism is a custom of that particular group.

Answer 8

I find it rather amazing and remarkable that native shamanic traditions, despite being separated by time and being on opposite sides of the planet, still came to identical conclusions about the nature of reality. This is because it is the truth in my opinion. Only Christians call other belief systems heathen, mainly because they are ignorant and are determined to stay ignorant by refusing to listen to reason. :) Practicing Shaman.... quantum physics rocks.

Answer 9

Folkish is for their folk.

Racist is against another race.

One doesn't necessarily have to include the other.

Answer 10

Well.....

Racist would imply having a hatred for a certain race of people.

Folkish would be something that is native to a certain country (i.e. a "folk" song)

Edit:

Hi there daughter.......hope you had a great weekend