How do you distinguish class-ism from racism or sexism?

Question

I was listening to a couple guys at work talking about how they didn't liked how a certain woman WALKED past them. (Our job has nothing to do with walking) The woman they were talking about happens to be black as are practically all the women in the building; with the exception of a few "others" (as in the box they checked on EOE thing you always "voluntarily" fill out (although you should know that though you can decide not to fill it out the employer is REQUIRED to submit it. This means if you dont self identify then they are going to guess!). [another time]

Are these dudes gay? Im thinking.

Then he says its " its 'unprofessional', she walks like she's going clubbing." [er ... was that a joke? ... I dont get it].

There is nothing special about the way she walks, accept that she has a bangin body (brain also, but they weren't talking about how she solves all our crisii). Something is displaced, but what is it?

Answer 1

They are struggling with their own internal desires. They are blaming her for their x-rated fantasies about her, saying it is her fault because her butt bounces when she walks. Sometimes a woman's sex appeal makes others uncomfortable. I think this is more about sexism than classism or racism. Definitely not classism.

That's funny..lol.

Answer 2

Hmmm. This is a new one for me. How exactly does one "walk like they're going to the club"?
Now, I'm aware of the fact that blacks have been stereotyped by the way we walk...that we have a certain "rhythm", a certain "confidence", or just a certain "air" about us that is different from the way other races walk.
(Before you give me the thumbs down, I'm not making this stuff up. I've heard it many times before. lol)

Something IS displaced. Maybe they would prefer that all women walk around with our heads down, dragging our feet, frowning. IDK. That's a tough one. I don't think I would call this a class issue. I would call it a gender issue (wonder if they've ever observed that about males!) and if the folks making the comment were not black, it could also be a race issue (wonder if they've ever noticed a white woman walking like she was "going clubbing"!).
What a crazy thing to say.

Answer 3

Classism = class based prejudice
Racism = race based prejudice
Sexism = gender based prejudice

Just thought I'd throw that out there first (just in case someone honestly doesn't know).

Anyway, in my neck of the woods, "She walks like she's going clubbing," is something that a lot of racists say in reference to black women and women whom they label as "n-word lovers" and "acting black". It's the equivalent of calling a woman a "club wh*re", "ghetto momma", and/or "hoochie". That's not to say that they necessarily think this of ALL black women and those they label, but rather they think that they're inclined (Same logic as racists thinking that black people have tendencies to commit crimes and seek government assistance). [If ignorance killed, there would be a lot of dead mo fos around here!]

Seems to me that all of the above (classism, racism, & sexism) were motivators. Firstly, the men apparently reckoned that the woman is low-class. Secondly, assuming that the terminology used means the same where you live as it does here, she was presumed to be low-class because she's black. Thirdly, they were evidently judging her based upon preconceived notions of appropriate ways for women to walk.

Answer 4

Interesting, personally and I can and will only speak for me. Ive always thought or identified class-ism as being being identified as my station in life.
Example.
How much money I have to spend and how Im targeted by adverts.
If I'm rich Im looking for the "finer " things in life. If I'm doing ok If I'm doing ok & I'm supposed to look for the practical car. If Im poor Im supposed to be grateful I have a car at all

Sexism based on gender and race based upon my color.

Answer 5

Do you mean class-ism like socio-economic class, or like showing class? I'm only gussing cuz I guess these two guys where thinking the lady doesn't show "class" to walk like that. In which case, yeah, they are proabably gay. I cannot imagine a guy complaining if a woman with a nice bod walks like she's going to a club, no matter the skin color. I've seen all colors do it, and its appreciated all the time.

Answer 6

This is just your opinion....but makes you suspect of prejudice as you said 'are they gay' were they white too?

When they only had an opinion which you eave dropped on (nosy) and you suggest ' Is it cos she's black'

In the future all manner of ISMs will be banned including

Ugli-ism, Age-ism, etc

but at least let people have a Private Opinion.

Answer 7

Well, they're rude for acting like that about a woman walking. But, a classist bases their beliefs souly on morals. I tell a lot of people that I am a classist and they think I'm against poor people! NOT the case. Makes me laugh.

Answer 8

I often see attitudes, especially in older generations, that can only be defined as racist. They automatically ascribe a certain set of characteristics to anyone based on their appearance, then make little snide remarks. They think they're not being racist because they're not using slurs or specifically saying it's because he/she is black/white/whatever, but it's pretty obvious what's driving their commentary.

Answer 9

It is difficult to distinguish between racism and classism. Often times classism is used to mask racism.

Answer 10

Bangin' body AND brain? I think you need to get with this woman! That'll show em :-)