+- Punaweb Forum (http://punaweb.org/forum)
+-- Forum: Punaweb Forums (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Punatalk (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=10)
+--- Thread: The Great Spirit (/showthread.php?tid=16183)
RE: The Great Spirit - Derrick Barnicoat - 09-15-2015
quote:
Originally posted by kalakoa
No, that's completely correct: it's only "racism" when White People do it.
When white people do what?
Continue oppressing those who are already oppressed? Instead of changing their behavior.
The OP had nothing to do with race and it was called racist. Have you ever pondered why the concept of race as we know it today even exists?
RE: The Great Spirit - PunaMauka2 - 09-15-2015
"Racism is a system of oppression against a minority population and based upon skin color."
Derrick, you are erronious in suggesting the above is a limiting factor on identifying prejudice or racism.
RE: The Great Spirit - shockwave rider - 09-15-2015
The Sami are the nomadic reindeer herding indigenous people of the far north: Sweden, Norway, Finland and parts of neighboring countries. They are very pale skinned, have blue eyes, and have been the victims of ethnic cleansing, discrimination, forced displacement, and racist policies from various governments for centuries. In their case the racism is not based on skin color, but being indigenous people who choose to practice their traditional nomadic lifestyle. The Romani people of Europe are not always dark skinned, but also are undeniably on the receiving end of racism and discrimination, including thousands who perished in Hitler's concentration camps. One branch of my family was refugees in Europe for most of 100 years for having the wrong religion and speaking the wrong language, not one family member who hadn't left the region before WWII survived, they were not wiped out because of their skin color.
So racism and discrimination is not always about skin color, sometimes it is about ethnic identity and/or religion.
RE: The Great Spirit - Derrick Barnicoat - 09-15-2015
Yes it is true that people come in a spectrum of colors even within specific ethnic populations. The american brand of racism is very much rooted in skin color and the stigma attached to superficial appearances. The point I am trying to get across here is that it is a system of oppression that punches down. This implies that there is a power structure that allows a part of the population to assume power, privilege and rights and systematically deny the power, privilege and rights of others. Those who are being denied have no benefit from a racist system and are kept on the receiving end of such a system. It is a one way system. It is the protection of superiority through oppression and persecution.
Racism is in no way a show of appreciation for a list of wise adages.
RE: The Great Spirit - shockwave rider - 09-15-2015
Derrick Barnicoat: " ......it is a system of oppression that punches down."
This is the best short version definition of racism, especially systemic racism, I've seen in a long time.
RE: The Great Spirit - MarkP - 09-15-2015
I think this is making far too much of a definition. When somebody makes a decision based primarily on race, that's racism. If you're getting beaten up in a dark alley because you are of a certain race that's racism and it matters not the background of the individuals involved.
RE: The Great Spirit - PunaMauka2 - 09-15-2015
Ditto.
RE: The Great Spirit - dakine - 09-15-2015
I especially like #7: Honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.
RE: The Great Spirit - kalakoa - 09-15-2015
When somebody makes a decision based primarily on race
Stupidity has no skin color.
RE: The Great Spirit - PaulW - 09-15-2015
"I especially like #7: Honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words"
Then why do you repeatedly tell people to shut up (and go back to where they came from)?
"Allow each person the right to personal expression."
Yet you want to stop them from voting if they don't have the correct skin color.
I get it, you want other people to honor your thoughts, your words, your wishes. It's a two-way street, sunshine.