Santorum is out - Is Romney electable?

[pixiecat]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

That's a great article.  I read it a couple of weeks ago, and it makes some excellent points about the role of institutions and racism.  I think that there is a lot of misunderstanding about what reverse racism truly means.  We still have institutionalized segregation in this country (look at the NYC, Chicago and LA unified school districts).  It's not official policy, but it's something that has become quite obvious in the last 20 years.  According to Jonathan Kozol, our schools are far more segregated now than they were in the south during the years before the civil rights era.  I don't know how to even begin to address this (I'm not a policy person), but I do think that people should be aware of it. 

I'm not trying to be political, or to make any political points.  My master's degree is in bilingual and multicultural education, so issues of equality and schooling are something that I'm very interested in.  I realize that y'all weren't talking about education, but I have spent a lot of time studying about racism in the US and just wanted to thank you for linking this as it contains what many scholars and sociologists view as the accurate definition. 

[gudgeon]

^^^ Hey pixiecat    Yes, I agree it's very interesting to discuss (race, inequality in education and how that affects a person's whole life, etc) when it's done with respect and an effort to see the other person's side or at least hear them out respectfully even if you don't end up agreeing in the end. I'm biracial (just like Obama!) and have always felt comfortable talking about race or racial identity and never minded when people asked me questions.

[pixiecat]

^^^ Hey pixiecat    Yes, I agree it's very interesting to discuss (race, inequality in education and how that affects a person's whole life, etc) when it's done with respect and an effort to see the other person's side or at least hear them out respectfully even if you don't end up agreeing in the end. I'm biracial (just like Obama!) and have always felt comfortable talking about race or racial identity and never minded when people asked me questions.

Thanks Gudgeon! when the time allows-I got you last night   I'm not biracial, but I also like to talk about issues related to race, identity and culture.  I think that constructive dialogues are one of the best ways of reaching understanding and awareness   Some of the best experiences in my life have occurred when I've been immersed in another culture, the only English speaker in the room, or the only white person in the class/event/etc.  It's helped me to open my eyes and experience things in a new way.  I think that if we can just talk to each other instead of running away from each other, we'll see that race itself is just a social construct that in the end, means nothing in terms of humanity. 

[TLLK]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.  Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

[Aliza]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.  Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

Having lived around the world (both my father and my husband held/hold positions - nothing exciting in either case -  in the diplomatic corps) and also having taught in the Philadelphia School District - I have to respectfully disagree with the proposition that there is no such thing as reverse racism.  Any time a person is defined by their race instead of their behaviour and actions, to me that is the very essence of racism.  IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".  In other words, society ought to be colour-blind (while still celebrating the contributions of different cultures).  I wish we would all concentrate on our common humanity and treat/look at each other as fellow human beings, albeit with different  experiences which should add to our respect for each other.  Since this is a board about Royals, I'm reminded about the famous quote of Diana, Princess of Wales:  "I'm a humanitarian; always have been - always will be".  Again, it's only my opinion, but I really believe with all my heart that if we held our common humanity as the most important factor, eventually,  racism would be mostly an issue from the (painful) past.

(I'm new here and this is my first post; sorry it is about such a heavy topic, but maybe it's better to jump in at the deep end!)  There is a wonderful group of posters here and I greatly enjoy all of the intelligent and humourous debate.

[TLLK]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.  Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

Having lived around the world (both my father and my husband held/hold positions - nothing exciting in either case -  in the diplomatic corps) and also having taught in the Philadelphia School District - I have to respectfully disagree with the proposition that there is no such thing as reverse racism.  Any time a person is defined by their race instead of their behaviour and actions, to me that is the very essence of racism.  IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".  In other words, society ought to be colour-blind (while still celebrating the contributions of different cultures).  I wish we would all concentrate on our common humanity and treat/look at each other as fellow human beings, albeit with different  experiences which should add to our respect for each other.  Since this is a board about Royals, I'm reminded about the famous quote of Diana, Princess of Wales:  "I'm a humanitarian; always have been - always will be".  Again, it's only my opinion, but I really believe with all my heart that if we held our common humanity as the most important factor, eventually,  racism would be mostly an issue from the (painful) past.

(I'm new here and this is my first post; sorry it is about such a heavy topic, but maybe it's better to jump in at the deep end!)  There is a wonderful group of posters here and I greatly enjoy all of the intelligent and humourous debate.

Welcome to RD Aliza. 

[Aliza]

Thank you very much, TLLK.  I love your posts!  (I have been lurking around for a few months  )

[TLLK]

Thank you very much, TLLK.  I love your posts!  (I have been lurking around for a few months  )

Aww thank you.

[Emma Rose]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.  Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

Having lived around the world (both my father and my husband held/hold positions - nothing exciting in either case -  in the diplomatic corps) and also having taught in the Philadelphia School District - I have to respectfully disagree with the proposition that there is no such thing as reverse racism.  Any time a person is defined by their race instead of their behaviour and actions, to me that is the very essence of racism.  IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".  In other words, society ought to be colour-blind (while still celebrating the contributions of different cultures).  I wish we would all concentrate on our common humanity and treat/look at each other as fellow human beings, albeit with different  experiences which should add to our respect for each other.  Since this is a board about Royals, I'm reminded about the famous quote of Diana, Princess of Wales:  "I'm a humanitarian; always have been - always will be".  Again, it's only my opinion, but I really believe with all my heart that if we held our common humanity as the most important factor, eventually,  racism would be mostly an issue from the (painful) past.

(I'm new here and this is my first post; sorry it is about such a heavy topic, but maybe it's better to jump in at the deep end!)  There is a wonderful group of posters here and I greatly enjoy all of the intelligent and humourous debate.

Thank you for your comments. It sounds like you've experienced some negativity too. I agree
 IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".javascript:void(0);

I look forward to your posts!   

[gudgeon]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.  Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

Having lived around the world (both my father and my husband held/hold positions - nothing exciting in either case -  in the diplomatic corps) and also having taught in the Philadelphia School District - I have to respectfully disagree with the proposition that there is no such thing as reverse racism.  Any time a person is defined by their race instead of their behaviour and actions, to me that is the very essence of racism.  IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".  In other words, society ought to be colour-blind (while still celebrating the contributions of different cultures).  I wish we would all concentrate on our common humanity and treat/look at each other as fellow human beings, albeit with different  experiences which should add to our respect for each other.  Since this is a board about Royals, I'm reminded about the famous quote of Diana, Princess of Wales:  "I'm a humanitarian; always have been - always will be".  Again, it's only my opinion, but I really believe with all my heart that if we held our common humanity as the most important factor, eventually,  racism would be mostly an issue from the (painful) past.

(I'm new here and this is my first post; sorry it is about such a heavy topic, but maybe it's better to jump in at the deep end!)  There is a wonderful group of posters here and I greatly enjoy all of the intelligent and humourous debate.

Welcome to the boards Aliza!! Glad you're de-lurking     I guess for me, the difference is just the word "racism" vs. "prejudice." IMO, what you describe is prejudice (prejudging someone based solely on their race instead of their actions) and I do absolutely agree that anyone can be prejudiced against another racial group. But, IMO, racism is about power and - in the US at least - I don't think any minority racial groups have enough power to discriminate against white people en masse. For example, I can't imagine any scenario where Americans of, say, Japanese descent could round up whites and put them in internment camps. But anyway, I do fervently share your wish that we could treat each other with loving kindness and as human beings that all basically want the same things out of life - love, dignity, safety, clean water and healthy food, etc.  


Back at ya' Pixie!!  

[TLLK]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/s...h-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.  Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

Having lived around the world (both my father and my husband held/hold positions - nothing exciting in either case -  in the diplomatic corps) and also having taught in the Philadelphia School District - I have to respectfully disagree with the proposition that there is no such thing as reverse racism.  Any time a person is defined by their race instead of their behaviour and actions, to me that is the very essence of racism.  IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".  In other words, society ought to be colour-blind (while still celebrating the contributions of different cultures).  I wish we would all concentrate on our common humanity and treat/look at each other as fellow human beings, albeit with different  experiences which should add to our respect for each other.  Since this is a board about Royals, I'm reminded about the famous quote of Diana, Princess of Wales:  "I'm a humanitarian; always have been - always will be".  Again, it's only my opinion, but I really believe with all my heart that if we held our common humanity as the most important factor, eventually,  racism would be mostly an issue from the (painful) past.

(I'm new here and this is my first post; sorry it is about such a heavy topic, but maybe it's better to jump in at the deep end!)  There is a wonderful group of posters here and I greatly enjoy all of the intelligent and humourous debate.

Welcome to the boards Aliza!! Glad you're de-lurking     I guess for me, the difference is just the word "racism" vs. "prejudice." IMO, what you describe is prejudice (prejudging someone based solely on their race instead of their actions) and I do absolutely agree that anyone can be prejudiced against another racial group. But, IMO, racism is about power and - in the US at least - I don't think any minority racial groups have enough power to discriminate against white people en masse. For example, I can't imagine any scenario where Americans of, say, Japanese descent could round up whites and put them in internment camps. But anyway, I do fervently share your wish that we could treat each other with loving kindness and as human beings that all basically want the same things out of life - love, dignity, safety, clean water and healthy food, etc.  


Back at ya' Pixie!!  

Excellent point gudgeon. 

[The Situation]

Guess who is endorsing Mitt Romney?!

Jenna Jameson Endorses Mitt Romney: 'When You're Rich, You Want A Republican In Office'

Retired porn star Jenna Jameson waded into the 2012 presidential race on Thursday, choosing a San Francisco strip club as the venue to announce her support for GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

"I'm very looking forward to a Republican being back in office," Jameson said while sipping champagne in a VIP room at Gold Club in the city's South of Market neighborhood. "When you're rich, you want a Republican in office."

For more --->http://www.huffingtonpost....html?utm_hp_ref=politics

"When You're Rich, You Want A Republican In Office" that's the kind of mentality that some Republicans have in this country anyway. Romney better not acknowledge this endorsement at least not publicly.

[Aliza]

Thanks for commentling I live in the South too but my experience has been much different. There is heavy racism directed to non-blacks every day. I don't think one ethnic group is any less guilty than the other.
But if a white person had said Obama's father was a typical "black" man for leaving his son, what kind of backlash would there be ?
Lawsuit? Arrest? Ostracism?  Obama's words were sugar coated and then swept under the rug. A future Pres of the US making racist comments??

Speaking just for the US, I think there may be prejudice and discrimination toward non-blacks, but as I understand the definition, "racism" is about power and systemic privilege so, blacks (for example) cannot be "racist" toward whites...because whites are the group (as a whole) that hold the power and have had privileges that ingrained and taken for granted in this society.

This article is really interesting IMO:  http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/07/15/884649/-Why-there-s-no-such-thing-as-Reverse-Racism

From my experience of 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles Co.'s diverse school population it is often like this scenario.  The majority racial/ethnic group  is where you'll find the the racist comments originating. As these are elementary school aged kids their comments reflect what they have heard from adult/teen family members and friends.   Sometimes you'll find a child in the minority group making comments in order to ward off any anticipated remarks real or assumed.

Having lived around the world (both my father and my husband held/hold positions - nothing exciting in either case -  in the diplomatic corps) and also having taught in the Philadelphia School District - I have to respectfully disagree with the proposition that there is no such thing as reverse racism.  Any time a person is defined by their race instead of their behaviour and actions, to me that is the very essence of racism.  IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".  In other words, society ought to be colour-blind (while still celebrating the contributions of different cultures).  I wish we would all concentrate on our common humanity and treat/look at each other as fellow human beings, albeit with different  experiences which should add to our respect for each other.  Since this is a board about Royals, I'm reminded about the famous quote of Diana, Princess of Wales:  "I'm a humanitarian; always have been - always will be".  Again, it's only my opinion, but I really believe with all my heart that if we held our common humanity as the most important factor, eventually,  racism would be mostly an issue from the (painful) past.

(I'm new here and this is my first post; sorry it is about such a heavy topic, but maybe it's better to jump in at the deep end!)  There is a wonderful group of posters here and I greatly enjoy all of the intelligent and humourous debate.

Thank you for your comments. It sounds like you've experienced some negativity too. I agree
 IMHO, racism will only be eradicated when society values people based on what they do, instead of what they look like or what "group" to which they "belong".javascript:void(0);

I look forward to your posts!    

Hi, Emma Rose!  Yes, my fellow citizens rather regularly experience some negativity...  Thank you so much for my first star, I'm too new to have the ability to give them, or to answer messages yet. (Thank you for making me feel so welcome with your message  )

Gudgeon, you make a good point about prejudice versus racism; I never thought about it in that context.  My husband is forever saying I am too naive concerning this subject  .  I understand about the potential of tyranny of the majority, as per your example of the shameful treatment of American citizens of Japanese descent in WWII. I've always been curious (but pleased, with the exception of those sympathetic to the Nazis) as to why there was no outcry against those of German ancestry during WWII, considering the German-bashing that went on in the First World War.  I always hope Hitler fumed when considering his main American Army opponent was named Eisenhower, while the head of the US Navy in the Pacific was called Nimitz!  

[Gwen]

Interesting article about Mitt Romney and how his religion influences his politics.
http://www.thedailybeast....nism-and-mitt-romney.html

[cowgrrl]

So, Romney chooses Republican Rep Paul Ryan from Wisconsin. Ryan is best known for his budget which people seem to love or hate. He is very articulate & a great speaker IMO. I don't know if he is what Romney needs to win but if I were Biden I'd be very, very scared about the VP debate.