The Meaning of being a racist

[steveo]

You will be called a racist if you are a white Englishman who speaks out against other races. If, like Harrier Harman, you chose to discriminate against white Englishman, that's completely fine. Someone earlier mentioned the amount of black people in this country which seemed to be ok, but if they had mentioned the amount of black people and the ratio of crime committed compared to a similar group of whites, they probably would be considered racist.

 

[chaco27saf]

Someone earlier mentioned the amount of black people in this country which seemed to be ok, but if they had mentioned the amount of black people and the ratio of crime committed compared to a similar group of whites, they probably would be considered racist.

They probably wouldn't be considered a racist because, as you say, you would need to compare this to a similar group of whites, which would mean whites in similar conditions economically and socially. In which case the statistics would probably show an equal ratio of crime between both whites and blacks. I suppose I can only say this with certainty about the US since I don't know too much about crime rates in the UK. However, in most countries around the world I would imagine crime rates are higher amongst the poorer members of society regardless of the color of their skin.

 

[Ron Manager]

They probably wouldn't be considered a racist because, as you say, you would need to compare this to a similar group of whites, which would mean whites in similar conditions economically and socially. In which case the statistics would probably show an equal ratio of crime between both whites and blacks. I suppose I can only say this with certainty about the US since I don't know too much about crime rates in the UK. However, in most countries around the world I would imagine crime rates are higher amongst the poorer members of society regardless of the color of their skin.

Exaxtly!

I would assume that due to economic circumstances most crime in this country is commited by working class men. If someone were to suggest that this makes working class men criminals I (as a working class man) would be offended by that.

 

[Firestorm]

Personally I don't like the term Rascist when it applied to people (when used to discribe the nature of a word , phrase or action it does add a concise explanation of the action however)
To castigate someone for "racism" seems to me to allow them to be intolerant of others as long as it is not based on their race.

Bigotry as a whole is a different issue , however.

 

[Hotman]

I was going to say I like to call a spade a spade, but worrying about the neg rep that will result...

However, in my eyes there is no difference between calling someone **** / pakistani and brit / british - it's the way that you say it that can cause a problem.

Just like being called a honky - I actually find that term funny, and would be proud to be called a honky. If it was accompanied by someone abusing me, they;d get a slap.

 

[canveyshrimper]

I was going to say I like to call a spade a spade, but worrying about the neg rep that will result...

However, in my eyes there is no difference between calling someone **** / pakistani and brit / britain - it's the way that you say it that can cause a problem.

Just like being called a honky - I actually find that term funny, and would be proud to be called a honky. If it was accompanied by someone abusing me, they;d get a slap.

There is actually (Great) Britain is a country whereas a Briton is an inhabitant of Great Britain.

 

[Hotman]

There is actually (Great) Britain is a country whereas a Briton is an inhabitant of Great Britain.

Pedantic post of the year!!

Ok, **** / Pakistani or Brit / Briton

Apologies for everybody who didn't see what I was getting at, hopefully this has cleared it up for you!

 

[Hotman]

As for another take on this - which of the following is more racist?

1) A film called "White men can't Jump"
2) A film called "Black men can't Work"

All based on stereotypes of course. Can't see the second one being a hit at the cinemas!

Just think that everyone needs to lighten up on this!!!

 

[steveo]

but they won't Carl. For some reason there are always a bunch of white English people who prefer to put forward and back the views of the Muslims or Asians or anyone who is non white and English. Doesn't make sense to me but as I have been branded a racist on here by certain people, it dont matter what I say in future that's the way it is. I prefer to think that I have a view that is pro English people who live in England but even that seems wrong to a lot of the of brigade.

 

[Hotman]

At the end of the day, individuals, organisations or governments pandering to a minority will only lead to increased sensitivity within the minority, and tension from outside the minority, with people worried to speak quite openly.

For example, the amount of people who visibly wince when saying "black" about someone but wouldn't think twice about describing someone as "white" - this is surely unhealthy, and is just the same as me calling someone "blonde" or "brunette"? As long as I am not insulting them, or using the term in a derogatory fashion, no harm is done.

Taking this further, is a blonde joke as bad as a "****" joke? They both refer to a group originating from a certain area on this planet, both promoting negative stereotypes, what's the difference?

There are three bases that are usually components of racism (rightly or wrongly, they are included in the term):

1) Nationality - I don't see anyone complaining about French or German jokes
2) Appearance - see blond example above
3) Religion - This appears to be the tricky one. But again, people need to get over it, and remember that bickering over imaginery friends in the sky is pointless.

 

[Firestorm]

For example, the amount of people who visibly wince when saying "black" about someone but wouldn't think twice about describing someone as "white" - this is surely unhealthy, and is just the same as me calling someone "blonde" or "brunette"? As long as I am not insulting them, or using the term in a derogatory fashion, no harm is done.

Taking this further, is a blonde joke as bad as a "****" joke? They both refer to a group originating from a certain area on this planet, both promoting negative stereotypes, what's the difference?

I agree fully, as long as the term is not meant as derogatory, either in its intention at the time or in its origins (there are many phrases which are blindly copied by the ignorant without any knowledge of their origins), it is unlikely to be recieved as offensive (its the recipient of the remark who should deem if it is offensive), then there should be no problem.

Both types of jokes are offensive, poking fun at someone is likely to cause offence. If memners of this forum were to starting referring to spelling mistakes as a "insert name of poster here" because he/she is a regular misspeller , I am sure they would find it offensive.

As for the previous post re Brit vs ****. I have never heard the term Brit being used in an insulting way, I am sure other nationalities have a plethora of other terms to describe britons in an offensive way, whereas **** is a known offensive term and the amount of times it it used to describe people who do not originate from Pakistan tends to support this.

Funnily enough, there are a number of people in life who regularly use words percieved to be of a racist connation and offensive to others who then get offended at being called racist...

The biggest problem , in my mind, is the people who anticipate someone will be offended. St Georges day is an example here. True, due to the adoption of the cross of St George by certain violent and extreme groups some years ago there may be an slight association with intimidation (but its a million miles away from, say , the swastika) and the obvious association with the "conversion" of Muslims during the crusades but I have not heard of any incidents where the celebration of St Georges day and the flying of the national flag has caused offence, yet many people make assumptions on behalf of the potentially offended. This is over the top and does more to alienate the supposed offendees and thus does more harm than allowing the celebration intended ( a Britain day, where all Britons could celebrate their nationality , might be an idea too)

 

[Up the Shrimpers]

As for another take on this - which of the following is more racist?

1) A film called "White men can't Jump"
2) A film called "Black men can't Work"

All based on stereotypes of course. Can't see the second one being a hit at the cinemas!

Just think that everyone needs to lighten up on this!!!

A better example would be a film called "Black men can't Swim" that would cause uproar with the PC brigade (just check & see how many Black people have won Olympic swimming medals).

 

[Napster]

A better example would be a film called "Black men can't Swim" that would cause uproar with the PC brigade (just check & see how many Black people have won Olympic swimming medals).

This might help...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article3382209.ece

 

[Napster]

Taking this further, is a blonde joke as bad as a "****" joke? They both refer to a group originating from a certain area on this planet, both promoting negative stereotypes, what's the difference?.

Most racism is based on misunderstanding. I think we can safely say that blondes really are that dumb.

 

[Up the Shrimpers]

This might help...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article3382209.ece

We will see if he qualifies for the US team it will be tough for him.
US Olympic swimming trials are taking place now.
100m freestyle final is on Thursday. The 50m final is on Saturday.

 

[Southend_Lady]

Most racism is based on misunderstanding. I think we can safely say that blondes really are that dumb.

Ermm hold on a minute......:punch:

 

[TMWLT]

racists are racists and leftys are leftys, and so it goes on, the good thing is now, that less and less people, prefix the following "Im not a racist but"

why bother, if you are you are , whereas a few years ago, I was in a minority of about 40percent, now I am in the majority, apart from of course the saddos on this board

 

[!famous!SUFC!!!!]

No you didn't make that clear. I'll answer the question. I would prefer to live in a country where the indigious population are not forever told to change their ways to accommadate those coming in. I fail to see why I should accept other cultures that do not accept mine and that includes traditions of others that don't embrace mine. I dislike being told that my flag offends, our patron saint shouldn't be celebrated, our past glories should be forgotten and our history retaught to applease those that find it offensive. It doesn't, wouldn't and shouldn't happen in other countries where there is a large influx of immigration and I find it offensive that it happens here.

cheers genial harry grout what a post!

 

[Hotman]

Ermm hold on a minute......:punch:

he said blonde not ginger :)



(just going by what I've heard on here!)

 

[cockles is back]

No you didn't make that clear. I'll answer the question. I would prefer to live in a country where the indigious population are not forever told to change their ways to accommadate those coming in. I fail to see why I should accept other cultures that do not accept mine and that includes traditions of others that don't embrace mine. I dislike being told that my flag offends, our patron saint shouldn't be celebrated, our past glories should be forgotten and our history retaught to applease those that find it offensive. It doesn't, wouldn't and shouldn't happen in other countries where there is a large influx of immigration and I find it offensive that it happens here.

Now change the ****ing tune J and stop looking for a raise.

absolutely spot on post just about sums up my opinions, **** knows what that means on the rasism meater???