Ever since I was yelled at for letting my white kid have a black babydoll, I've been paying close attention to racism. I can't help it really, it's not like I have tons of other things to think about right now. Anyway, my most recent pet peeve (in a long line of peeves) is pointing out bigotry to someone who thinks they aren't a bigot and having them explain just why THEY aren't a bigot.
For some people, they feel that they aren't bigots because they go to church or do volunteer work etc. My instant response to this is that bigots can go to church and do things that can be considered as good.
Other people play what I like to think of as the "reverse race card." It goes like this "I'm not a bigot because I'm a member of ____________ race." You know, bigotry goes far beyond one race (white) against another (not white). Anyone can hate another person based on race no matter what group the hater belongs to.
Lastly, people try to defend their hate by pointing out that someone else is a bigot too. This often look like this "I can use the 'N' word because so-and-so uses the 'N' word." This misses the point that the "N" word probably shouldn't be used by anyone who isn't a bigot.
I don't want them to explain it, I want them to change it or own it. If you're a bigot, say it, don't hide it. Personally, I'd love it if everyone were open about just what they're a bigot about, that way I know just who to stay away from.
Confession: I can be a bigot at times, I admit it. I dislike religious nuts and have no tolerance for them. I don't care what the religion the nut favors, I dislike them all equally. In fact, religious nuts are some of the biggest bigots out there, so I'm sure our dislike is mutual and this really helps limit my exposure to the group I'm biased against.
3 comments:
Jilly you make some very good points. I am always suspicious of anyone who claims to not be bigoted at all. I frankly don't think humans have evolved that far yet.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines "bigot" as "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.
I'm pretty sure that I am not bigoted, as I generally stay away from obstinancy and intolerance. However, I'm probably prejudied in ways I know not of, simply through ignorance of the thousands, if not more, religions and ethnic groups that I am not familiar with.
the word bigot is a poor choice kath ( as used by orb). I think what she means is that we (humans) tend to react differently to people who are "different" from "us" or what we are used to to . Its a pretty normal reaction and I belive very common with most if not all humans.
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