Why are people so sensitive about racism?
@Gorillafootprints925 (3586)
United States
July 31, 2010 11:05am CST
Especially those who have oppressed feelings when they find things out for themselves that their ancestors were once slaves or slave masters. Either way the old terms they used before is like taboo now. Why is there such thing as a politically correct term? Why is it wrong to stereotype when most of us do it? I do it all the time and I don't see no wrong in my way of thinking, in fact it helped me in many situations because I learned many things about other cultures.
3 responses
@Angelwriter (1954)
• United States
31 Jul 10
Uh, right and wrong isn't determined by a majority vote. So, just because "most of us do it" doesn't make it right. There are lots of things "most" people have done throughout history and now that are considered wrong. That is, I HOPE they'd be considered wrong, unless I have to give up all faith in humanity. Think of someone who treated you in a way you didn't like. A way you felt was wrong. Now, what if most people started treating you that way? Would you're feelings suddenly change? "Oh, it was wrong when only one person did it. But, now that a lot of other people treat me the same way, it suddenly is okay."
And, stereotyping is wrong because it denies people their individuality. It's thinking of people as 'types' rather than unique people. A person may fit a stereotype, but it's better to not assume they will because of what race or religion or whatever. Because it's just as likely that they don't. I certainly wouldn't want someone to decide they can guess how I feel or what I think or what I'm good at or bad at simply because of what race I am. Which is what stereotyping is.
As far as politically correct terms, I think the backlash against them is simply another tool to justify being insensitive. How dare the people who are the race get to have the say in how they should be addressed? If they feel a word describing them is taboo, well, they're just being "politically correct". Now, I have no problem with the word black. I personally prefer it to African-American. However, if someone refers to me as African American, I won't get upset because I feel they're trying to be non offensive and to use the term that they feel is most acceptable to me. Not having some attitude where they don't even think about what's acceptable to that person. Of course, if they ask me what term I prefer, than it's simple common decency to use the term I want. And, it's simple common decency for me to do the same when I speak of them.
1 person likes this
@Gorillafootprints925 (3586)
• United States
31 Jul 10
Well, I never stated that it was right, I just assumed that most people do it and when most people do it, it is usually acceptable but in stereotyping it is wrong because people relate it to racism.
I use stereotypes about people because it helps me respect ones culture better, let's say in South Korea, if someone choked on food and you are american and tried to save the persons life you may get sued. At least when you know things the better the people of certain race gets respected. I just want to not be ignorant of cultures that I live with. Stereotyping is good unless your so dumb you can get in trouble using it. Stereotype is a good thing but if you use it ignorantly you will be a bad-shot and people will be angry at you.
I personally think that politically correct terms are the new form of racism. It is just another name for your race but since most people use them it becomes the right thing to do or not.
@calai618 (1773)
• Philippines
1 Aug 10
Having tons of people out there who thinks it's normal that these racist words/terms are used is part of the reason why the others feel they are descriminated against since they feel that they are minority and that these other people are like ganging up against them.
I think part of the respect you are talking about is knowing what's acceptable and what's not. If you really love learning other cultures, then part of it is knowing how they'd react or feel in these cases.
Not knowing how these racist remarks feel to those people they are directed upon and not caring whether they hurt other people's feelings are considered ignorance and disrespect. i have no problem at all with the usage of those politically correct words since they are supposed to be "approved" by that race. I believe that it is part of our responsibility as people in this world to know these things.
@Positive2012 (53)
• Philippines
31 Jul 10
To add to this, why is racism only considered racism if it's pointed out to the African Americans? If you call someone a 'white', no one is offended, whereas if you call someone 'black', then all hell breaks loose.
It's time to move on people. Those are just words now. Words should not have power over you. I am sick and tired of everyone being sensitive about the difference in color. To me, the more sensitive you are, the more you are highlighting the difference, which should never happen.
