I'm not racist or anything but...?

Question

I have a co-worker that says this all the time. I can't help but feel, if you have to throw that little statement in with almost everything you say; maybe you are a little racist. Or should I say ignorant and going more on what you hear than what you have experienced for yourself. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

lol I know what you mean girl! It's almost like if they start with "I'm not racist but" it exempts their statements form being judged as racist and it's funny but it's always followed by some of the most ignorant crap!

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lol DP! that one kills me too!

Answer 2

Wow that is a loaded question! I have to say if they start some conversation or statement about that they are worried what you think, it is what follows that would determine if they are racist. It is like the statement "but I have them as friends" now that is a little racy. But understand when I see people putting out these statements I realize it really doesn't have alot to do with being racist but instead a lot to do with experience or lack there of. And if they are not on familiar ground when it comes to what they want to say. Say they are worried what they say would be seen as racist so in fact they make themselves look the part. I find that the ones that are racist usually have more of a blunt way to saying so. Trust me I have had a lot of experience of racism and they seem to be more willing to state things without the buffer.

Watching my kids grow up in a low, mixture of people I find it my job to teach, and tell them what is allowed to be said and what isn't. They will say things, as kids you know, that I thank god that they didn't say in public or sometimes they do...... they state as they see not as they learn or at least not at first. That is when it is our turn to teach them.

Some parents and society doesn't take the time to teach them very well. That is when you find those statements of unsureness.

Here is an example we were teaching our kids Spanish, but when we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant they would talk to them in Spanish,, well as you know there is a difference between Spanish and Chinese but some younger ones don't know this, so it is up to us to teach different cultures without prejudice, so they have knowledge and don't have to say I'm not racist but....
So for the ones that make that statement enlighten them and maybe if they are racist stay away and if they are not just maybe you will make a friend out of someone. For racisim is based off of lack of knowledge. *most of the time* and well the rest there is no help.

Answer 3

It sounds like your friend is making general statements about particular races. This is stereotyping. Stereotyping leads to misconceptions, that eventually biases. Even if your co-worker says that he/she isn't a racist, he/she probably has issues with those races.

When your friend makes those statements you should challenge his/her perceptions. Within the ignorant statement is an opportunity for you to turn it into a thoughtful conversation. Your co-worker might learn something.

*Remember that there is a place and time for everything. Have a conversation with your co-worker when it is socially suitable. For example don't "call out" your co-worker out in front of a big group.

Answer 4

Ignore and move on. Don't pay any attention
to stupidity. The other day in my city of Compton
African-Americans from a Compton blood gang
were calling me a wetb*ck and a beaner
throwing up gang signs and I just ignored them.
Sometimes in life you just have to let those things go.
I was the type that would snap and do something
about it. But I am 28 now and the one that called
me a wetb*ck for no reason was around 19.
I don't know how old are you but if you are younger
then me. When you reach my age you are going to realize
all that sh*t is not worth it.

PS: If I were to do something
to one of them it would only hurt their
mother. I grew up with blacks
and many times I stood up
and fought for them.

Answer 5

I think everyone's inherently racist. Some just choose to ignore it, and they end up being those who are advocates of equality, etc. However, I think a huge majority of people in the world are at least somewhat racist. I mean, i've cracked racist jokes from time to time (including my own!) but I have friends of every race, and I feel no real derogatory feelings towards people of a different race. But anyway, inherent racism is normal.

Answer 6

As soon as this co-worker starts his/her question you could do the following: politely excuse yourself. It is your choice whether or not you give audience to stupidity.

I hate when people preface a question in that manner. When they do if I am feeling generous toward ignorance I'll hear them out and then point I am not the spokesman for all black people but....and give my opinion. I continue to mention that it is my individual view on the issue and that not everyone may feel exactly as I do. Bare in mind those these instances are extremely rare..so I'd just walk away if I were you.

Answer 7

Yes I question people on here who always begin there questions with the infamous line "I'm not trying to be racist but...". That is the biggest load of you know what I've ever heard. I do agree with you, if they have to begin their statement with that than they must know that they are being racist. If I were you I would just take it with a grain of salt and move on lol people like that don't matter.

Answer 8

If you have to state that you're not something, then most likely you are, at least that's how I feel.
I mean if the shoe fits, then wear it right? Nobody's accusing you of being a racist, yet you have to state you're not everytime before you say something? --for your co-worker

Answer 9

Whenever I hear that I cringe because following that is a racist statement sure as you're born. When you work in the corporate world this is the kind of dance you have to tolerate day after day. Thanks God black folk don't go around shooting innocent people just because they are unhappy or racially mistreated. If so they would've thinned out the herd long ago.

Answer 10

Sometimes they say it because they genuinely don't want you to take offence but they know that what they are about to say will be racist and they want you to correct them after they say it so that they don't say it again. They don't want to have such racist views so they look to you to tell them how misinformed they are. So in a way I'm glad when someone says it because that's my chance to set them straight, that's me taking them out of their ignorance. The thought will never cross their mind again because I made them see the light.