Race and racism anon meme thing

[dreamer_easy]

International Blog Against Racism Week begins tomorrow, 6 August. Before the week officially starts, I'd like to try something a bit dodgy.

For the next twenty-four hours, you can leave an anonymous message here with any questions you have about race or racism. IP logging is off and there are no LJ Toys or other IP-capturing stuff to worry about.

I know many people are afraid to say or ask things about these subjects, for fear of looking stupid or causing offence. I'll delete anything that's obviously just supposed to be abusive, and anything that uses insulting words, but otherwise, anything goes. POC, please be warned: that means there may be annoying, frustrating, or offensive material - you may prefer not to read the comments left here.

I can't guarantee answers to questions that are posted, but I will try to respond if I can. I won't judge or lecture anyone for honest curiosity or confusion. (Keep in mind I'm just a well-meaning White middle-class liberal, and no expert on racial issues.)

The twenty-four hours is up, folks! You can still post anonymously, but IP logging is back on. Thanks for your comments!

Comments

[thegameiam.livejournal.com]

Ok, and if you've shown me the trend, besides me saying "gee, that sucks, sorry you're experiencing that, and I hope it ends soon" what else should I do?

Person X really can't do a whole lot to ensure that person Y doesn't do something crummy to person Z when person X isn't around, right?

I would think that given that there's not a whole lot which an uninvolved person can do in that case, making sure that one isn't the one causing the problem would be good - and that is best done by not being overly concerned with race as a concept, right?

[brownbetty]

So, because it might highlight unpleasant inequalities in the world, willfull blindness is the best option?

As a personal philosophy, I have no doubt it works for you.

[thegameiam.livejournal.com]

Now wait a second here - asking exactly what you suggest I (as a third party who isn't committing any of the racially insensitive acts) do to reduce the harm which those people who do commit racially insensitive acts does is a completely reasonable question.

For asking a question, I get called blind? Rather, I suggest that the Emperor has no clothes, and that you don't have a better answer than being rude and insulting.

[brownbetty]

You are quite correct. The best answer I have to your comment is insults and rudeness, but this isn't my lj, so I shall take my leave.

[pbristow.livejournal.com]

"Person X really can't do a whole lot to ensure that person Y doesn't do something crummy to person Z when person X isn't around, right?"

That's right as far as it goes, but there's always the chance that one day such an event will occur when you *are* around and are in a position to do something about it. If you're aware of, and care about, the underlying the issue, then you *may* be be able to figure out what the right response is and make it. If you are blind to the issue, then you definitely can't.

Caring about the issue doesn't automatically lead to knoewing how to solve it; it does, however, increase the chances of someday being able to make a positive contribution. Also, just *knowing* that you care - that you are on "emotional standby" for that day when an opportunity to help comes along - will probably be a source of comfort/support to your friend in the meantime.

"I would think that given that there's not a whole lot which an uninvolved person can do in that case, making sure that one isn't the one causing the problem would be good - and that is best done by not being overly concerned with race as a concept, right?"

Yes and no. There's a difference between "being [...] concerned with race as a concept" and "being concerned with racism as a phenomenon", that I think is getting lost in much of this discussion.

[thegameiam.livejournal.com]

good point, about the difference between race and racism.

I think that being decent to everyone one encounters is a positive thing, and I think that treating people as individuals rather than members of a group is also a positive thing.