There’s no denying that tacit racism is everywhere because it’s human nature to spot differences in the environment. I think it is a survival instinct. Anyone who wants to argue with me about this never went to high school. That wonderful fish bowl/rat maze designed by educational geniuses who think they can simultaneously teach and socially acclimate adolescents. That’s right, the place where every difference (clothing, lunch selection, musical taste) is scrutinized by your peers and the best strategy for survival is to blend in with the walls.
The majority of kids mature and become adults who understand that differences are not a reason to discriminate but the lines were already drawn and the distinctions burnished in their minds. We are all trained to identify people different from us and this is where tacit racism comes from. Differences in skin color, hair type, accents, and vocal inflections are much easier to spot than fashion trends so the habit of preferring what you know is easy to fall in to. This is in no way saying that people can’t or don’t see these differences and then embrace them. That happens more often than not. My point is that, because tacit racism is all around us, it only takes a little push to send someone in the wrong direction.
These little pushes are happening as you read this. In the
news this week, some people in Alabama are holding a “whites-only” pastors conference that culminates with a cross burning. To quote from the article:
“Yes, we believe that the Europeans and their descendants are the chosen people of God. We believe this, not because we think that the white race is superior, but because there is overwhelming proof in support of this belief. We do not back down from this belief, because we are certain.”
Proof in support? Aren’t these the same morons who think that Creationism is science? What in the world do they know about proof or the scientific method? Evidently, the Mayor and residents of the town are upset but to what extent? Recently, a
Swiss official was forced to resign because he suggested that Muslims should be subjected to a Kristallnacht in Switzerland. Shouldn’t the governing body of whatever denomination these pastors belong to excommunicate them? They may be certain that their beliefs are correct but I’m also certain that examples like this are only the tip of the iceberg and that we have an entire below-water disaster waiting to sink our culture.
So That's Life?
It’s a White World, After All
07/06/2012Posted in commentary | Leave a Comment »