The Quest for a Colorblind Society

[Prometheus]

We all agree that our society still harbors racism. Given, we have come a long way in the last 50 years, but discrimination still exists. Many well intentioned people are soncerned with this are striving to correct the problem. These people are a significant part of the driving force behind the politically correct movement. Instead of calling people black or indian, mexican or the like, we euphamisms like "african american", "hispanic", "native american" and the like.

I am of the opinion that these racial lables do more harm than good. By modifying the nationality of "American" with "african", "asian", and "native" we draw lines and reinforce racial boundries. Can we not all just be Americans? (sorry to those from other countries, just insert the nationality you want)

If I were to walk up to a blonde and say "I have brown hair and you have blonde hair" no one would be offended. However if I awknowledged the skin color of an "african american" with the same candor, I would be labled a biggot.

We are already colorblind about hair and eye color in the same way we want to be colorblind about skin. How is this demonstrated? Because we can freely admit defferances without giving offence. As long as we have to use racial lables, we cannot be colorblind about skin color.


When the govenrnment administers employment, loans, welfare etc. on the basis of a racial label, we admit our inability to stop discriminating. The government lables us according to our skin color, so how can it expect the citizenry to do any differently?



When I applied to colledge I was asked for my racial identity. There were over 50 options, including "croato-latvian", "African-Oriental", "Russian-Viatnamese", "Siamese-American" and "Nicaraguan-American". With all those options I thought I could surely fund my racial identity, which I am just as proud of as any "Croatio-Latvian". Lo and behold there was no "English" or "German" to be found. Not even "European-American". Do I have no ethnicity because I am white? Do I have no cultural roots to be proud of.

I checked "other" and typed in "AMERICAN".


How many years back in our geneology must we look to find petty differances and then attach a label to that differance? Why worry?

Let us create a society that is truely colorblind by no longer having the government use racial lables. If we are all equal, let us not be labled and classified.

[tinybear]

I agree. I mean we're all Americans, right? Who needs those labels?

[castille]

I find the biggest problem is when certain racial minorities are actively supported, while other minorities are discriminated against.

I've heard in America, its racist when a black guy is beaten up, but its fair when blacks beat up other minority groups (ie. Eastern Europeans/Asians).

Why even bother with supporting certain groups? Why not treat everyone equally? The more you sympathise with "blacks", the more they see themselves as a different people.

[tinybear]

Nah, blacks can't beat up us Chinks. Don't believe me. Ask Jet Li. :)

I agree with you by the way. Do away with affirmative action. Nobody needs it!

[Prometheus]

its racist when a black guy is beaten up

My spazzy, irreverant humor moment of the day:

"Now when you get pulled over, you're supposed to turn your radio off. There's no sence getting you ass beat to a soundtrack!"

Dave Chappelle (Black Comedian)

[tinybear]

So why aren't the Chinks pulled over more often? Is it 'cos they know kung fu?

[CallousGiant]

African american, caucasian etc. are races not nationalities. In they live in the country, they are all the same countries, but if you have to decribe someone, 'american' doesn't really do the job, thats where races come into play. I agree political corectness can in itself just promote racism or make it look acceptable, but I think it is still an improvement. Personally I still use the old names, but I don't consider them racist.

Nowadays there are no ethnical groups which are 'english' or 'french'. That just applies to nationality...

[Prometheus]

Personally I still use the old names, but I don't consider them racist.

I will use the old names then. "Nigger" and "Spic" have a nice ring to them, no?

Nowadays there are no ethnical groups which are 'english' or 'french'. That just applies to nationality...

If a nigger who's grandfather's ass was hauled over to this country 300 bloody years ago can call humself African. Then I, with ancestors who emmegrated from Germany 100 years ago, should be able to have my ethnic classification too.

Or we could forget this bullshit and call ourselves Americans, and just be happy to think of our fellow beings as people instead of "<insert your country of origin>-Americans".

[FIFI]

The point is, we focus on nationality / race too damn much. I mean, people monitor how they talk around people over their skin. Why not just be yourself? (assume its a friendly conversation.)
My family has a few of every nationality in it, and I grew up without labling. Its only as I became older, was "African-American" and "Latino" pounded into my head.

[Pooeypants]

So why aren't the Chinks pulled over more often? Is it 'cos they know kung fu?

I know that you're Chinese, as am I, but there may be others on here who don't. Please stop using this offensive word.

[RickSp]

If I were to walk up to a blonde and say "I have brown hair and you have blonde hair" no one would be offended. However if I awknowledged the skin color of an "african american" with the same candor, I would be labled a biggot.

Guess you don't have many black friends. Discussing most any topic with friends will not get you labeled as a bigot.

[Prometheus]

Come come now- you know we are talking about a stranger.