Like racism but think being called a racist is hurtful? Lighten up
November 2, 2008 by William K. Wolfrum
Thers at Firedoglake recently wrote, “To the conservative mind, such as it is, being called a racist is worse than actual racism.”
The talented blogger is absolutely correct. Even Rush Limbaugh – quite possibly the most blatantly racist major entertainer in the last few generations – once said “There is nothing worse than being branded a racist.” While one could possibly make the argument that being murdered by a racist is somewhat worse that being called a racist, the simple fact is that many in the U.S. get a free pass on being rightly called racist, or having their words be deemed as racist, because the culture has now deemed it less damaging to be referred to as a “Genocidal pedophile” than a racist.
But for those of you out there – and you know who you are – that embrace your own racism but feel that political correctness is stifling your hate, here’s a chance to proclaim your racism in the nicest, most uplifting way. Just wear this shirt:
Racism – no matter how you try and dress it up, it’s still ugly. But that doesn’t seem to stop racists from trying.
–WKW
Racism sucks. Incorrectly being mistaken for a racist or an oppressor sucks also, but Bill’s point stands, that is being oppressed is worst than being accused of oppressing.
And many of the people who cry foul at being called racist, do nothing to resolve their own prejudices and bigotry. And then when it spills out, they have the nerve to be offended because it’s called for what it is.
Personally, I think the term racism should be used with more care. Prejudice attitudes and bigotry, although always at the forefront of racist systems, do not necessarily equate to racism. Incorrect usage of the term belittles the depth and capacity of human cruelty.
Reminds me of Mittens Romney’s assertion during the primary that he couldn’t imagine anything worse than polygamy.
How wonderful a world it would be if being called a racist and knowing about polygamy were the two worst experiences a person could possibly have …
I pretty much the opposite, Dgun. I think pretty much everyone has levels of racism, sexism, etc. It’s how we deal with it that makes us not be an outright racist or sexist. By all means I have had and will have racist thoughts, and have said or done things are clearly racist in my life.
But I try and look at myself and examine myself as honestly as possible. This is not to say that I’m constantly questioning myself by any means, but I do try and look at my own motivations and where they come from.
I guess my point is that I feel that making something intangible like a word or label into a heinous offense is sort of illogical. Especially when all of us have racism in us to a certain degree.
To be fearful of having someone call you out on racism, whether they are right or wrong, helps people to avoid any self-examination. When you feel you’ve been victimized by being called up on something, you’re not very likely to give your own motivations or inner workings any thought at all.
Eventually the power of the word becomes stronger than words or actions that have tangible negative effects. Which someone like Limbaugh is able to take advantage of and claim victimhood when he’s accused of racism when, you know, he’s just a guy who tells it like it is.
Without a doubt there are levels of racism, and personally, I don’t think it’s the right thing to withhold using the term unless the level of racism meets a certain standard.
Honestly, though, I enjoy discussing this subject as I’ve though about it quite a bit and have formed a pretty solid opinion on the matter. I’m not saying I’m right, mind you, just that I have spent some time forming my opinion.
I’m not saying I’m right, mind you, just that I have spent some time forming my opinion.
All sarcasm aside for the moment, how wonderful the world would be if a few more folks could adopt this mindset. As is often the case, Bill, you done nailed it.
Oh I don’t disagree.
But IMO, it’s important to be careful how we use these words. Republicans have a fun little game where they claim ‘class warfare’. They belittle what true class warfare is, of course.
But racism is much more than having prejudices. Like you said, we all have them. It’s human nature. It’s how we deal with them personally that is very important.
My only point is, we should be careful not to call someone a racist who is merely a bigot. Racism is too important to mislabel. And I don’t mean that in anyway to minimize bigotry. Bigotry should be dealt with directly and openly.
There have been times in my life when I failed a moral test I have for myself, and that would be I have allowed someone to spew bigoted nonsense in my presence without addressing it. As the years go by, I have found that I rarely fail that test anymore.
Maybe as a white man from Alabama I am a little sensitive about this one, because people often assume that white people from Alabama are racial bigots. I have been falsely accused by people of such, people who were not from these parts and brought their own prejudices and preconceptions with them.
I agree that suffering bigotry and prejudice and/or racism is far worst than being falsely accused of anything, but that doesn’t mean that being falsely accused of being a bigot or racist doesn’t sting. Especially when your mom made a point to instill concepts of social justice and fairness in you amongst a culture saturated and dominated by racial prejudices.
I currently am being accused of being racist by someone up for the same advanced position. It does sting as because it is still a false accusation maligning me personally and professionally after a lifetime marked by social justice. I have asked for the examples of this and have been refused. However, I am going to lose my job. I am not sure why when I am not and have not, be made to suffer for someone’s last ditch effort for advancement.