Prejudices vs. Racism

[DavidS]

well this can of worms is open now, let's have some fun. what is it called when you have an experienced based opinion? how many similar experiences does it take to form an opinion? are you prejudiced or just aware of the circumstances(situational awareness)? what does the law say about a reasonable person having a reasonable expectation? what does the law say about unreasonable people?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...9AE00I20131115

A prejudice is your opinion. It does not matter what it is based upon - experience, news, forums, hearsay, etc. It does not matter how long it takes you to come to that opinion, it is still your opinion and it is therefore a prejudice. And, a prejudice can be favorable or unfavorable.

Continuing to stick to racial prejudice vs. racism, the law does not care what your racial prejudice (opinion) is, they care how you act on it.
EVERYONE has racial prejudices.
Not everyone is a racist and acts on them.

So, to further the initial question:
In forum discussions, is it possible to distinguish between racial prejudices and racism? And, can adult discussions occur on the subject without tempers flaring and degenerating into name calling?

I would certainly welcome an adult discussion about prejudices, mine and others, that includes good factual evidence to support or refute those prejudices.

[swilcher7]

Many moons ago when I was a teenager, we used the word prejudice (ie: your prejudice against group X Y Z) we didn't say someone was racist. Now, The term racist is used more so. I hate that I have to keep telling folks that I am in no way calling them a racist. But I believe some comments here have racist overtones. Now with that said, is there a difference in how you say certain things???

[DavidS]

Many moons ago when I was a teenager, we used the word prejudice (ie: your prejudice against group X Y Z) we didn't say someone was racist. Now, The term racist is used more so. I hate that I have to keep telling folks that I am in no way calling them a racist. But I believe some comments here have racist overtones. Now with that said, is there a difference in how you say certain things???

Sure is! I got no tact so I get cranked at often. Particularly in written conversation where expression and intent is difficult to convey.

[Bawanna]

Despite the native Americans rolling over in their graves at your slander of their language many moons ago, it appears you speak with forked tongue.

No way calling anyone a racist but you believe comments here have racist overtones.

I fear the light is on but no one is home. As they say on that Shark show, I'm out!

[marcinstl]

ok time to gather some demographics on Kahrtalk posters. I'm 69, white, 5.6 miles away from Ferguson, Mo., lower middle class, retired, can get 50 rounds in a paper plate at 7 yds., love 9mm., used to be a "Missouri Democrat" but that's all gone, if I vote it's usually against something or someone, not religious, don't care who's having sex with who or what they're smoking, just don't throw trash in my yard, thanks.
who are you?

[Bawanna]

60, *******, born in MO but far away from Ferguson now. Extreme lower middle class, dreaming of retirement at age 132. Can get 50 rounds in a paper plate if it's a really big paper plate. Hate 9mm, love 45, never a Democrat. Semi religous, don't care who's having sex long as they aren't cheatin on mates and are of opposite sex or farm animals. Totally opposed to smoking the whacky backy but have sympathy for tobacco users as I was a user until 10 years ago.

Don't throw trash in my yard neither.

Curious to see where you go with demographics on this. With my extraordinary profiling skills, this is hardly necessary but have fun with it.


Well sweet Mary and Joseph we can't say Ritz ******* here. I've crossed the line once again.

[muggsy]

I'm an extreme right wing conservative who stands two giant steps to the right of Rush Limbaugh. I vote for what I believe in and I think that anyone who smokes anything is a damn jackass. ( I was a three pack a day jackass for about 40 years.) I'm 68 years old and don't give a damn what anyone thinks of me. The only one that I have to please is me and I'm pretty damn happy with myself the way I am. Throwing trash in my yard could cost you your life. I consider myself fairly easy going.

P.S. I love demographics.

[swilcher7]

No I just opened the door and checked, the light is still on but this isn't Motel 6. And come on Bawanna, you don't have to agree with me but some of the comments were borderline..And not just toward one particular group either...

[Bawanna]

The sad thing is I think we think exactly alike, you just don't see it.

That's the frustrating part.

[swilcher7]

Ok...I'll give you the win on that one.....

[marcinstl]

Kahrtalk should be more inclusive, more diverse. maybe I'll log in over on the Hi-Point forum and see if I can drum up some interest.

[b4uqzme]

Good thinkin. I'll get Kel Tec. That should make Jocko happy.

[muggsy]

Kahrtalk should be more inclusive, more diverse. maybe I'll log in over on the Hi-Point forum and see if I can drum up some interest.

Don't do us any favors.

[tony k]

I guess I always thought racism was a subcategory of prejudice. We all have preconceived ideas about all kinds of stuff based on experience, observation, what our parents taught us, etc. Those preconceived ideas can be good or bad. For example, when I see a package of licorice at the store, I have a preconceived idea that said licorice is probably delicious. That's a prejudice. I also have preconceived ideas about a person's characteristics and preferences based and their race. I have racial prejudices and I believe that makes me racist. Most of those preconceived ideas are neutral, some are positive, some are negative. Doesn't matter. It's all still racial prejudice. The trick is not to believe every half baked idea that pops into your head. Although you can be pretty certain that licorice is delicious. Trust me.

Mark wants demographics? Male, 39, "white," from South Dakota. If it doesn't affect anyone else, their property, or their livelihood, and it doesn't burden future generations, it shouldn't be against the law. Nobody comes close enough to my property to throw trash.

[swilcher7]

47, biracial male, a few miles south of Pittsburgh PA....I find trash on my lawn at times too, mostly after the garbageman has left...And the way they abuse your garbage cans!!! (All said in fun!!)