The Last Acceptable Racism

[walksalone11]

"Two disturbing developments recently hit my radar. The first was an announcement from Washington's NFL team that it's planning to change its name and logo. Okay, that seems innocuous enough. Washington Politicos? Nope. The new name is the Washington Jews. The re-worked logo is equally alarming: it consists of a profile of what appears to be a stereotyped Jewish person, complete with the physical features exploited by Sasha Baron Cohen in his film Borat........"

read more @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kimelberg/the-last-acceptable-racis_b_819545.html?ref=fb&src=sp#sb=1101675,b=facebook

[amyrouse]

This is horrifying.  Racism in any form is unacceptable. 

[tech2d]

Actually, that's not going to happen. It was something that the author of the article made up. The actual purpose of the article was the fact of how Native Americans find the Washington Redskins logo offensive and how the New Yorker showed a cartoon of an "cowboy" hiding behind a desk while arrows are shot at him by "indians". There was a empty cartoon balloon above the cowboy and the readers were asked to fill that in. The winning caption for the balloon was "Quick, give them a casino"
 The author of the article is an Native American and a Jew and was explaining how racist comment, etc that target Native Americans AND Jewish people are offensive to him. Just thought I'd clear the air on that.

[sdecaro558]

While racism is a major problem even today in this country, I think in many cases people are far too sensitive about it.  When it gets to the point that people can't even discuss it, it is doubly a problem.  When people see themselves as members of the human race, rather than as a member of a specific race, and see other people as members of the human race, I think this problem will become less of a problem.

[shernajwine]

I totally agree sdecaro. And from my perspective I don't understand how people in this day and age aren't already utilizing that mind set. There is no superior/inferior race of people....we are all HUMAN. Racism is foolish.

I will add, that I think people should be able to laugh at themselves. It's one thing to be racially/culturally insensitive and discriminate but it's another when you can't even make a funny observation about a person or groups of people for fear of being politally incorrect.

[amyrouse]

I don't think anyone actually believed it.  Since I don't know how new you are, tech2d, allow me to introduce you to Walks.  He is a champion of the rights of the people who are the original inhabitants of our great country; one of their best, actually.  Come to expect from time to time posts about the issues that Native Americans face on this board.

As for the racism thing, and everyone being part of the human race, I have to say that in a way I agree and in a way I disagree.  I am a white chick, perhaps one of the whitest chicks you'll ever meet (although I do have some Native American blood, it is most likely 1/8 or less and I have yet to research it fully), so it is easy for me to speak from my privilege and say that race shouldn't be an issue, but the fact is that it is an issue.  By saying that we're all one race, and that is the human race, it almost seems to me like we're trying to negate the cultural pride that is celebrated within different races and cultures, and that seems wrong to me.  However, that being said, I am still a white chick, and it may be racist for me to observe that as well.   

I believe wholeheartedly that people in general shouldn't treat others differently based on race.  I also believe, though, that cultural identity and race are things that should not be disregarded or ignored.

Oh, and this (beware the lyrics):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHKIMOgoJoU

[shernajwine]

Amy, acknowledging that we are all human is not a way to negate cultural pride. I can be proud of my race and culture and where I came from and still respect and appreciate fellow human beings. If a white person is proud of being white GREAT, but that doesn't mean they are superior to blacks, or reds, or yellows, or browns! (I'm using color here but not meaning it insensitevly)

We are all part of the HUMAN race and that connection should resound within every culture and individual. We all bleed red right? Be proud of who you are, but be considerate and respectful of those who differ from you.

This same concept applies to the homosexual issue which you sound a voice for often. I don't agree with the homosexual lifestyle but they are just people who are seeking the same thing as me! Healthy, loving relationships with a partner, families to grow old with, jobs to provide, whatever their dreams are, they are just like hetero me. They are human beings who God created....just like me.

[Falconer02]

Not to get off the subject but...

DUDE OMG WALKSALONE IS BACK! Where have you been??

[amyrouse]

There is a difference, though, in acknowledging that we are all human and in saying we are all part of one race without acknowledging that we have differences that should be celebrated.  For example, it would sound bratty and privileged of me, as a white chick, to say that I'm not Caucasian but Human because the black woman sitting next to me has things that she celebrates about her heritage that I would not experience as a white chick.

I'm not sure how much I could equate it to homosexuality, though, since it is still acceptable for people to discriminate based on sexuality, mainly based on religious reasons.  If you wanted to equate it to homosexuality, then it would be like saying that the bible says it is unnatural to be Asian, so therefore those people are on a path to hell unless they pray the culture/race away.  

Homosexuality is just as natural as race.

[shernajwine]

There is a difference, though, in acknowledging that we are all human and in saying we are all part of one race

We are part of one race though, but like I said that doesn't mean to forgoe celebrating where you come from. Acknowledging our similarties and celebrating what connects us as a unified race helps us to appreciate and celebrate our differences rather than exalting one specific race over another.

And I equate it to homosexuality because homosexuals are human, and I am advocating treating humans like humans no matter what color, sex, age, political affiliation, or shoe size they are. That's the point I'm trying to make.

then it would be like saying that the bible says it is unnatural to be Asian

Let's not turn this back around to a religious debate on homosexuality because that's not what I'm talking about.

[nouveau12]

While racism is a major problem even today in this country, I think in many cases people are far too sensitive about it.  When it gets to the point that people can't even discuss it, it is doubly a problem.  When people see themselves as members of the human race, rather than as a member of a specific race, and see other people as members of the human race, I think this problem will become less of a problem.

That's true but not all human beings are humane beings.... So until the human being can change their philosophies they can never rise up and stop the hate.

[walksalone11]

Everyone, should recognize and celebrate the diversity in our various populations and everyone has the right to be proud of who they are in regards to race, sex, orientation or what have you.

The issue that I have with some always throwing out the "we are all one...." comment is the very real historical and present fact that attempts of forced assimilation has and is being directed toward my Peoples, as well as many other demographics, with verying degress of success. even to the point that many millions have had their lives taken, simply for wanting to excercise their right to be themselves and honor their Ancestors. So Im sure we can all appreciate the sensitivity there.

As for the article linked to in my OP, the author failed to mention one thing that I think is very important in regards to this issue. That being the origine of the term "redskin".

"The Term Redskin

Dear Editor; It was brought to my attention that some were asking if the term "redskin" was really offensive to Indians and that they would like to hear from us on this subject. Well, here you are...I am Blackfoot, Cherokee and Choctaw...and yes, the term is extremely offensive to me. Let me explain why. Back not so long ago, when there was a bounty on the heads of the Indian people...the trappers would bring in Indian scalps along with the other skins that they had managed to trap or shoot. These scalps brought varying prices as did the skins of the animals. The trappers would tell the trading post owner or whoever it was that he was dealing with, that he had 2 bearskins, a couple of beaver skins...and a few scalps. Well, the term "scalp" offended the good Christian women of the community and they asked that another term be found to describe these things. So, the trappers and hunters began using the term "redskin"...they would tell the owner that they had bearskin, deer skins....and "redskins." The term came from the *bleep* mess that one saw when looking at the scalp...thus the term "red"...skin because it was the "skin" of an "animal" just like the others that they had...so, it became "redskins". So, you see when we see or hear that term...we don't see a football team...we don't see a game being played...we don't see any "honor"...we see the *bleep* pieces of scalps that were hacked off of our men, women and even our children...we hear the screams as our people were killed...and "skinned" just like animals. So, yes, Mr./Ms. Editor...you can safely say that the term is considered extremely offensive.

In Struggle,
Tina Holder
Mesa, Az."

http://www.aics.org/mascot/redskins.html

I honestly believe that the vast majority of folks who use the term mean no offense what so ever but are simply unaware of why the term may be found offensive by some others, hence, my little attempt an education.

The same thing happens with people who use the term "squaw" while being totally oblivious to the fact that the term comes from a French word depicting a certain part of the female anatomy. Now, who of us would not be offended to hear someone call our Mother/Sister/daughter etc, a c*nt?

Falconer.....hows it going Bro? Oh, I've been kinna busy but will poke my head in here from time to time....good to see you all.

[angelhome]

Actually, that's not going to happen. It was something that the author of the article made up. The actual purpose of the article was the fact of how Native Americans find the Washington Redskins logo offensive and how the New Yorker showed a cartoon of an "cowboy" hiding behind a desk while arrows are shot at him by "indians". There was a empty cartoon balloon above the cowboy and the readers were asked to fill that in. The winning caption for the balloon was "Quick, give them a casino"
 The author of the article is an Native American and a Jew and was explaining how racist comment, etc that target Native Americans AND Jewish people are offensive to him. Just thought I'd clear the air on that.

thank you, I appreciate your clearification!! big time. that makes sense too. 

[amyrouse]

Everyone, should recognize and celebrate the diversity in our various populations and everyone has the right to be proud of who they are in regards to race, sex, orientation or what have you.

The issue that I have with some always throwing out the "we are all one...." comment is the very real historical and present fact that attempts of forced assimilation has and is being directed toward my Peoples, as well as many other demographics, with verying degress of success. even to the point that many millions have had their lives taken, simply for wanting to excercise their right to be themselves and honor their Ancestors. So Im sure we can all appreciate the sensitivity there.

As is to be expected, you said it better than I could.  Glad to see you, Walks.   


As for the origin for the term "redskin", thank you for sharing that.  I honestly had no idea.  Just something else that gets eliminated from our education I guess.  Knowing that, I would be just as offended at the team name, and I plan on sharing the education with as many people as possible.  Do you know of any petitions or other organized movements, online or off, to get the name changed?  I plan on looking into this, and if I find anything I will post it here for anyone interested.

[Falconer02]

Falconer.....hows it going Bro? Oh, I've been kinna busy but will poke my head in here from time to time....good to see you all.

Likewise!