The Problem of Race

[McHatin]

Race "exists" in that people are willing to submit themselves and others to such classifications. I understand that it is hard to be "color-blind" when so much of society accepts the concept of race and that everyone must at least consider it as a temporary necessary evil of our society. I say temporary because I believe that the whole concept of race needs to die, as I imagine so do most progressives. The thing that scares me is that many minority leaders seem to want race to live on and on. If you take away their race, you are striking at their very soul. This is the cancer that is racism. It has ate its way so deep into society and people have bought into it so much that you have people's main perception of themselves based on a faulty social construct that was originally meant to explain away the evils of slavery. What's worse is that society applauds many of those that embrace their race as identity, in fact, it encourages them. I believe with certainty that racism will not die until people and institutions stop considering it as a good classification of others.

This problem is society-wide. There certainly are whites that promote the thinking that whites consider themselves as whites first, humans second. The only thing is that these are usually white supremacist groups which are denounced, not minority groups that are accepted and encouraged to continue their message.

I think that many whites and Asians as well (both are stupid names for diverse groups of people) do not consider their "race" in their self-perception as much as blacks may. I think that certain minority organizations need to reconsider what their main message is and try to extricate themselves from the concept of race.

If you are offended by my opinion on this subject, don't take it harshly. I just wanted to share my HONEST opinion on race as a social construct and why it still continues to exist to this day and see what some of your opinions are as well!

: )

[catnhatnh]

1. Are you White? N/T

[McHatin]

4. That says a lot about the concept of race

Really, it does. I understand though that you may be wondering what background I have or what context I view race from.

Unfortunately, revealing this information also paints me in a certain societal light, it defines me in ways that I really am not.

My background is mostly German, some Irish, some English, and some Native American. I guess this makes me white, or caucasian, though I'm mostly European, and I would say the color of my skin is definitely more peachy than white. ; )

[MadMaddie]

2. Interesting thoughts and in an ideal world you are right.

However; Black Americans, Indian Americans, Irish Americans and all other minorities didn't define themselves, the elitest in this country defined the minorities and miniorities have been trying to break free ever since that initial definition.

A perfect example of this is the Wright controversy the media has persecuted Obama and Wright as if they were criminals. Now observe, this has not happened to any Neocon white preacher, McCains Hagee hardly a peep.

So as long as the media is corrupt, and you have a government that feeds into the hatred incessently this will not end.

[McHatin]

3. You have good points

I think you are right to say that many stereotypes were invented by those in power, namely whites, back in the day. Many minorities have succeeded in breaking away from these white definitions though, and now by and large define themselves. I do agree though that the media is more likely to focus on someone like Wright, because the media thinks that neocon white preachers are old news. I think what makes Wright such a target is that he is at the center of what is still for many an unresolved controversy, which is whether or not blacks can be racist.

I do find the whole Wright controversy incredibly bad timing for Obama's campaign, but Obama is a strong candidate and I think he can win the nomination even while addressing one of the most sensitive issues in America today.

I find it interesting that you think my ideas about race would only work in an ideal world. I think that many feel it will be practically impossible to eliminate the concept of race in the US, and I understand the feeling of frustration. I get hope from seeing all the other places in the world where the concept of race does not exist, so I know it's not some natural human condition to think in terms of race and it can be overcome. I just feel that the concept of race is not criticized enough today in society.

[MadMaddie]

5. Don't get me wrong..I agree there is always hope for

improvement in discussing race and moving forward in this country.

The important thing is that we cannot continue to let Faux news and the Neocon zeolots define our conversation.

By the way "Welcome to DU"!!:hi: