Monday, March 5, 2007
Inadvertent Racism?
I recently have noticed something...Why is it that when a Black or colored person is around parents will check to be sure that their car doors are locked or they will take their children's hands and pull them away from that person? Are the stereotypes now-a-days as severe as those back in Maycomb? Is this a type of effect of the wide spread prejudices? Do we naturally associate crimes and bad things with those of color like they do in Maycomb? Just a thought... Any response? --Imoen
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19 comments:
Society today has gotten so bad that people naturally assume that colored people are different. They think that most of the other races wont create any violence, but it is automatically targeted to the colored people. I think the stereotype for colored folks will never change. Even back then when they were slaves they had a bad representation. I beleive that is where it all started. If the colored people were never slaves and were treated equal this society would of never taken this down fall. What do you think?
There are very few people I know that pull their children closer or double check that their car is locked just because there is a black person around. When I do, it is not because the person is black. It is the way they are presenting themselves (their clothes, language, etc.). People might associate violence with black people in such a place as St. Louis because there is a large number of black gangs. The majority of people in Branson don't associate blacks with violence because there are minimal blacks here. My point is that yes, there will always be prejudice in the world, but it is far better than it was 50 years ago.
I agree with tristan, but what silent one said about being the only race associated with violence is not true. Everyday Hispanics, Whites, and Blacks are all acussed of violence. It usually never is just centerd around a black person.
I do not think that all violence is associated with blacks. Everyone no matter what race is accused of something they didn't do at one time or another. I do think that people are still prejudice towards blacks but they are just not as open about it as they used to be because in today's society racial discrimination is frowned upon. This, however will not eliminate racism.
I agree that racism is much better now than it was back during the time of this story. However, people still have prejudice and stereotype people, often subconsciously. Maybe when we think of places like inner city New York, or East St.Louis where there is a lot of crime, we tend to picture black people. Maybe this is because this is what we see on TV, or maybe it's because those places realy have more black people that live there. Either way, it still doesn't mean that black people here are any mor edangerous than anyone else. However, this maybe where we get the stereotype.
Ok let me change it. Its targeted to the other races besides your race.It is not just blacks.
Well, most black people ARE intimidating and it's only because of our stereotpying of course. Stereotypes 'now-a-days' are atually even MORE severe than those back in Maycomb because as our generation grows and changes, whether it's good or bad, it changes the way people look at eachother.
To be honest I have never noticed my parents making sure the door is locked when a black person is around. I actually think that racism is slowly decreasing. I am not saying that it doesn't exist. I am just saying that it is a lot less apparent.
Of course there is still inadvertent racism today! You go anywhere and you see it, I mean even you do it yourself without thinking. If you were in an airport and saw a Middle Eastern man getting on your plane wouldn't you be a little uneasy. Or if you were on Paseo Dr. in Kansas City and saw a car of black men would you not be afraid. Yes, you would...this is what our society has taught and this is how our society thinks. I really don't believe it is just blacks that we profile it is anyone who is not caucasion. There is a racial sterotype for everything, blacks are thieves, mexicans are lazy, all middle easterns are terroists. I don't really think that it is a matter of racism, but racial profiling.
If you watch the news today, the media perpetuates the stereotypes of the races. Remember the Katrina footage. Who and what did the media focus on? The looting and the violence in New Orleans. The black population of NO is in the upper 90%ile range. There were many other areas of the South devastated by the disaster, but the main focus was on the black community in NO. and we tend (as a nation) to buy into the media. So what we see is what we get. Right? Can we blame the media?
Personally, my parents never do anything different when a black person is around. But I do agree that they are stereotyped way too much. A white guy can be just as sketchy as the black guy standing next to him. It's ridiculous that they are looked down upon just because their skin is darker. But, the stereotype of black people being associated with crimes is also in how they come across...I mean if you see a guy hanging around a parking garage with sketchy behavior, then you're going to take precaution. But, if a guy is just doing his own thing, not worrying about anyone around him, then you shouldn't automatically assume he is a criminal.
Racism will always exist in some form or another, but as far as checking the locks and windows that depends more on the persons appearance. That really isn't a fair way to stereotype either but on all tv shows where there is a robbery its a poor shabby person. I think racism has improved and will continue to improve as time progresses.
I agree with Carl. Nevr have i witnessed someone doiuble check their locks or pull a child closer when a black person was around because it isn't the fact they they are black that is intimidating. Simply the way a person presents themself is what appears intimidating and creates the uneasy feeling you get. And in no way is it as bad for blacks as it was in the past. I do agree that some people may still be so closed minded that they "don't like blacks" but you'll find that there will always be someone who dislikes someone or something. So, we can't just say its all against blacks....(sorry the bell just rang :))
This stereotype that black people are violent and thieves is ignorant just cuz they listen to their music loud does not mean that they are violent beside their cars are nicer than some crappy SUV or minivan. My parents lock the car once they get out because of white people. My uncle was a cop and told me that he locked up more white people than black. I have had no problem with black people tryin to steal my things it has all been white people.
Stereotypes are definately better than they were in Maycomb. They have gotten better as the years go by, but quite frankly, they will always exist in some type of form. I know it is terrible, but that is how colored people are viewed and it is saddening. Hopefully one day it will all just take a turn and stop!
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