Racism - Come on down & Splain yourself Eh.

[countryboy]

countryboy -

You must have grown up in a small town - While some consider it a fault I consider this to be a quality - reply to a question - short -blunt at times - clear and concise - some people want an answer 9 miles long and 3 miles wide - Old saying of mine -
Not sure where I heard it - but it applies at times.

Does it show? Ha, ha...yes, indeed...a little farm town in southern Manitoba, population around 600 including dogs, cats, and other assorted creatures. Strangely enough, we had a similar expression but it must have been the western version..."5 miles wide and 2 miles long" which would work out to 10 sections (square miles) of land, which - in those days - would have been considered something akin to the Ponderosa.

We learned how to boil things down to the necessary words when we were doing things like running the old crusher (grinding up oats for the horses) with a big, long, unguarded open belt run off the tractor...potentially dangerous. When my uncle - in the barn at the other end of the moving belt - said "Stop!", I didn't take the time to give my opinion on the state of the world as I saw it. I made it stop. When he said, "start!", I started it up again. Wasn't that difficult, really. :lol:

 

[Goober]

Does it show? Ha, ha...yes, indeed...a little farm town in southern Manitoba, population around 600 including dogs, cats, and other assorted creatures. Strangely enough, we had a similar expression but it must have been the western version..."5 miles wide and 2 miles long" which would work out to 10 sections (square miles) of land, which - in those days - would have been considered something akin to the Ponderosa.

We learned how to boil things down to the necessary words when we were doing things like running the old crusher (grinding up oats for the horses) with a big, long, unguarded open belt run off the tractor...potentially dangerous. When my uncle - in the barn at the other end of the moving belt - said "Stop!", I didn't take the time to give my opinion on the state of the world as I saw it. I made it stop. When he said, "start!", I started it up again. Wasn't that difficult, really. :lol:

countryboy

Same with me - dad while strict was always clear in what was to be done and don't wait around to be told twice -

I will relate an experience that I often encountered while in the Military A Soldier comes to me and asks for a day off - not using vacation credits - I would generally approve it right on the spot - Then the Soldier goes into why he / she needs the time off - I would interrupt and ask them a question.
Question - You asked for a day of - Answer was Yes - So there we go no need to go into they why's and wherefores -

To many Snr NCO's would put their Soldiers thru a big rigamarole as to why and then tell them they would get back to them.

Every unit I was in the Soldiers working for me put in many long hours - so to me it was simple - But the look you got and the respect was worth it -

Mind you I did have lots of arguments with some of those above me when it came to things like that -
Took no crap -

Now this is off topic but SJP signed out so I guess I am OK.

SJP - this is humor not a slight.

 

[countryboy]

countryboy

Same with me - dad while strict was always clear in what was to be done and don't wait around to be told twice -

I will relate an experience that I often encountered while in the Military A Soldier comes to me and asks for a day off - not using vacation credits - I would generally approve it right on the spot - Then the Soldier goes into why he / she needs the time off - I would interrupt and ask them a question.
Question - You asked for a day of - Answer was Yes - So there we go no need to go into they why's and wherefores -

To many Snr NCO's would put their Soldiers thru a big rigamarole as to why and then tell them they would get back to them.

Every unit I was in the Soldiers working for me put in many long hours - so to me it was simple - But the look you got and the respect was worth it -

Mind you I did have lots of arguments with some of those above me when it came to things like that -
Took no crap -

Now this is off topic but SJP signed out so I guess I am OK.

SJP - this is humor not a slight.

I think the moral of that story is, if you treat people with respect, they'll do the same for you. And of course, if you treat them like crap...well, you know what I mean.
Gosh, now that's not all that hard to figure out, is it?

 

[SirJosephPorter]

SJP

I agree that if they are against civil unions they have a problem - Now I know this will set you off - As I believe in God - He created all - then he created gay Men and Women - So who am I to question what God made.

God does not set me off, Goober. In fact you should know by now, that I get along just fine with many religious people, I have great deal of admiration for many Christians (Mother Teresa, Jimmy Carter, MLK etc.). It is the extremists, the religious right which sets me off.

 

[Johnnny]

I hate everybody equally!!!!! That includes other people who look like and at me

 

[Liberalman]

Racism exists everywhere around the world.

It exists in Africa, China, India, Europe, etc.

Within every country around the world there is racism.

The haves hate the have-nots and the have-nots hate the haves.

Jealousy is the main cause of racism and racism is the main cause of war.

Everybody has to be equal and the wealth has to be spread around so everyone can be equal.

We have to remember that racism is not the cause but a progression to something much worse.

 

[darkbeaver]

Professional programs of racism conducted over long terms has been the sustaining force of the planets hereditary wealthy. That rotten hierarchy that has ruled for longer than we can remember sees to it that our beautiful differences are the very things they command us to hate.

 

[countryboy]

Racism exists everywhere around the world.

It exists in Africa, China, India, Europe, etc.

Within every country around the world there is racism.

The haves hate the have-nots and the have-nots hate the haves.

Jealousy is the main cause of racism and racism is the main cause of war.

Everybody has to be equal and the wealth has to be spread around so everyone can be equal.

We have to remember that racism is not the cause but a progression to something much worse.

Liberalman, I may be wrong here but let's be clear - are you saying that racism is a money issue? I note your point on "jealousy", followed by your point on wealth.

If your point is that wealth (jealousy of it) is the main cause of racism, how that relates to say, a white person being prejudiced against dark-skinned people. Unless of course, that white person is a person of lesser means that the dark-skinned people with whom he comes in contact.

Speaking of wealth, no question there is a lot of poverty in the world, some of it in Canada. But when you say "Everybody has to be equal and the wealth has to be spread around so everyone can be equal.", are you convinced that would do the trick and help to eliminate racism?

I see a few problems with that one - first and foremost, how do you convince those with money (in some cases, their hard-earned money) to give it to those without? Are you suggesting legistlation to get that done?

And, if you remove the need for people to work and try to "get ahead", would you not risk building a "society of sloths" (not everyone, of course) because they would not need to seek work, buy food, etc.?

How would you continue to generate wealth if more and more of the population doesn't need to work? Where would the wealth come from?

Of course, I'm making a wild assumption that those who currently do earn money might be tempted to ease off a bit in the "toil and sweat" department if they know a chunk of it is going to be taken away and given to others. (Well, it does actually happen now through our system of taxation, but I suspect you'd have to "kick it up a notch" to get everything equal).

And finally, if everyone had exactly the same amount of wealth around the world, do you really think racism would cease to exist?

Just asking...

 

[SirJosephPorter]

Racism exists everywhere around the world.

It exists in Africa, China, India, Europe, etc.

Within every country around the world there is racism.

The haves hate the have-nots and the have-nots hate the haves.

That may be, Liberalman but there is a big difference between racism by the haves and racism by the have nots. While in theory both are reprehensible and both should be condemned, racism by the have nots has no practical significance.

It is racism in the hands of those who have power that is really harmful. Up until a few decades ago, whites had all the power and many racist views were mainstream, there was institutionalized racism. That kind of racism is particularly nasty.

On the other hand, racism in the hands of have nots really does not matter much. What are the have nots going to do, perhaps call the haves a few nasty names? Racism in the hand of have nots does not have any practical significance (unless have nots become haves in the future).

 

[countryboy]

That may be, Liberalman but there is a big difference between racism by the haves and racism by the have nots. While in theory both are reprehensible and both should be condemned, racism by the have nots has no practical significance.

It is racism in the hands of those who have power that is really harmful. Up until a few decades ago, whites had all the power and many racist views were mainstream, there was institutionalized racism. That kind of racism is particularly nasty.

On the other hand, racism in the hands of have nots really does not matter much. What are the have nots going to do, perhaps call the haves a few nasty names? Racism in the hand of have nots does not have any practical significance (unless have nots become haves in the future).

I think I'm smelling something objectionable here. Of course, we haven't all agreed on a firm definition of racism here, but given the one I have in mind, I don't agree with racism whether it comes from a rich man or a poor man. Racism is racism, and I don't think you can put a price on it.

I think you were trying to say that the rich man can inflict more damage on a poor man because he has more power. But, don't forget that the racist poor man could easily blow away a rich man of different race or color with a single bullet. Very cheap.

This sounds like another typical case of a good intention gone bad by overreacting to a bad situation. And making it worse.

 

[SirJosephPorter]

I think I'm smelling something objectionable here. Of course, we haven't all agreed on a firm definition of racism here, but given the one I have in mind, I don't agree with racism whether it comes from a rich man or a poor man. Racism is racism, and I don't think you can put a price on it.

I think you were trying to say that the rich man can inflict more damage on a poor man because he has more power. But, don't forget that the racist poor man could easily blow away a rich man of different race or color with a single bullet. Very cheap.

This sounds like another typical case of a good intention gone bad by overreacting to a bad situation. And making it worse.

Quite so, countryboy, that is why the terrorist acts committed by Muslim terrorist are condemned almost universally. I don’t think anybody would condone something illegal. One man blowing up another man is always wrong, whether done out of racism or not.

We are talking of the legal ramifications of racism. If somebody wants to do something illegal, then sky is the limit. And people commit murder for all kinds of reason, prolifers kill abortion performing doctors with appalling regularity.

But the point is if somebody in the position of power is also racist, he can do substantial harm to he society and do it legally. It will take a long time to uncover the damage done by him (if at all it is uncovered) and perhaps decades to put things right (assuming society wants to put them right).

But racism in the hands off have nots does not really do anything, they don’t have any power. Unless as you say they resort to illegal activities, nobody condones that.

 

[countryboy]

Quite so, countryboy, that is why the terrorist acts committed by Muslim terrorist are condemned almost universally. I don’t think anybody would condone something illegal. One man blowing up another man is always wrong, whether done out of racism or not.

We are talking of the legal ramifications of racism. If somebody wants to do something illegal, then sky is the limit. And people commit murder for all kinds of reason, prolifers kill abortion performing doctors with appalling regularity.

But the point is if somebody in the position of power is also racist, he can do substantial harm to he society and do it legally. It will take a long time to uncover the damage done by him (if at all it is uncovered) and perhaps decades to put things right (assuming society wants to put them right).

But racism in the hands off have nots does not really do anything, they don’t have any power. Unless as you say they resort to illegal activities, nobody condones that.

Can't disagree with any of that. However, I'm still firm on a distaste of racism, no matter what the wealth or power situation might be. Besides, who's to say that a poor racist won't become wealthy, thus placing that racism in a position to do more damage?

I suspect we're not doing much to further the cause by examing the subject this way. It's helpful to understand it, but at some point - being somewhat of a conservative - I tend to lean toward trying to actually do something about it, rather than just analyze and talk it to death.

Sooo, I'm wondering if any of us might be able to come up with some practical thoughts on how racism could eventually be eradicated? Chances are it won't just go away all by itself. I understand that the concept would have to be viewed somewhat like a game of golf - you never get perfect at it, but it's good to keep trying. The results could improve over time.

Any thoughts on that one? One more time, practical ways to eradicate racism...I'm thinking...

 

[lone wolf]

Quite so, countryboy, that is why the terrorist acts committed by Muslim terrorist are condemned almost universally. I don’t think anybody would condone something illegal. One man blowing up another man is always wrong, whether done out of racism or not.

We are talking of the legal ramifications of racism. If somebody wants to do something illegal, then sky is the limit. And people commit murder for all kinds of reason, prolifers kill abortion performing doctors with appalling regularity.

But the point is if somebody in the position of power is also racist, he can do substantial harm to he society and do it legally. It will take a long time to uncover the damage done by him (if at all it is uncovered) and perhaps decades to put things right (assuming society wants to put them right).

But racism in the hands off have nots does not really do anything, they don’t have any power. Unless as you say they resort to illegal activities, nobody condones that.

I hope you don't have any Irish blood....

 

[countryboy]

I hope you don't have any Irish blood....

Faith and begorahh...

 

[L Gilbert]

I wish people would find a different term for bigotry than racism. We ALL came from the same batch of ancient genes in Africa. We are one race, one species. Belittling someone because they are left-handed, of pink or swarthy complexion, bald, etc. is bigotry.

Main Entry: rac·ism
Pronunciation: \ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm also -ˌshi-\
Function: noun
Date: 1933
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination

- Merriam-Webster

Main Entry: big·ot
Pronunciation: \ˈbi-gət\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, hypocrite, bigot
Date: 1660
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
— big·ot·ed \-gə-təd\ adjective
— big·ot·ed·ly adverb

- Merriam-Webster


The term "bigotry" works better, IMO. I'm a racist. I tend to think homo sapiens are better than some other races of creatures.

 

[lone wolf]

They don't put that scary little "ism" on the end

 

[Mowich]

Any thoughts on that one? One more time, practical ways to eradicate racism...I'm thinking...

I always figured that getting rid of the old stocks and pillories was a bad idea. Maybe revive that old tradition of public humiliation....throwing eggs and tomatoes at the creeps.

But then, that's just my opinion. ;-);-);-)​

 

[countryboy]

They don't put that scary little "ism" on the end

Yep, bigotry is a more appropriate word. And it's shorter than buttheadedness, severestupidness, holierthanthoucarriedtoanextremeness, failuretocomprehendandgetalongwithotherpeopleism, and a host of other accurate, but much harder to spell terms. Yeah, bigotry doesn't end with a "ness" or an "ism".

 

[countryboy]

I always figured that getting rid of the old stocks and pillories was a bad idea. Maybe revive that old tradition of public humiliation....throwing eggs and tomatoes at the creeps.

Pictures of stocks and pillories go here.

But then, that's just my opinion. ;-);-);-)​

Ooh Mowich, you're tickling my conservative/celtic fancy with that one. You must think the 2 x 6 concept of getting one's attention has merit. So do I - there are times when it works quite effectively. And it leaves a lasting impression on offenders. Which makes them think twice about doin' it again. Which means it works.

Can't see why that effective concept couldn't be applied to bigotry (racism), unless we think it's not a big enough problem to address in a head-on fashion. Worth serious consideration, I'd say. It's just that I'm against wasting good food (eggs and tomatoes) on butt-headed offenders. How about just some good old-fashioned, stinky slimy mud that is purely organic and entirely recycleable?

Your prairie roots are showing! :glasses7:

 

[L Gilbert]

I always figured that getting rid of the old stocks and pillories was a bad idea. Maybe revive that old tradition of public humiliation....throwing eggs and tomatoes at the creeps.
But then, that's just my opinion. ;-);-);-)

I kind of like the tarring, feathering, and running out of town thing.