What's up with racism?

[Domi Li]

I was watching this special on the History Channel via satellite. It was about the Ku Klux Klan, and regardless of me living way over here in Japan while the KKK operates mainly in America (and Europe, too, I think) it got me thinking on racism more so than ever, mainly the White-Black racism that's going on in the world. And, though every country's got its fair share of racial tensions, I'm just wondering, why? My grandfather tells me that racism lives off of three main things:
1. Jealousy
2. Fear
3. Ignorance
Most people ignore the problem and even go as far as to say that racism is going away, but it's not--it's just kept hidden, especially here in Asia where people mask their true feelings with politeness (which I don't mind being Korean in Japan). But every time I witness racism on television, especially in America, I can't help but ask myself, 'why?' Jin's girlfriend has been driven cynical towards the world and Kazi and Makaze say, "That's just how *** is...." White-Black racism seems to be the most portrayed and active in America, but I know that there's Hispanic-Black, Asian-Black, White-Asian, Hispanic-White--I could keep going on. I have my own ideas on it, but I guess what I'm trying to say in so many words is, what do you guys think?

[StEvE21]

I'd say its how people are brought up, or their environment as kids, etc.

[Kartikeya]

Wrong idcentification with body and low level of consciousnes.

[Larry Boy]

I think it has a lot to do with identity. Many racists have a tendency to feel a little outside the social circles themselves, and hanging out with extreme people might be a way for them to feel they're part of something. Another thing is that it's easy to blame your own problems on other people or in this case groups of people.

I also live in Japan for the time being, and even though I love the Japanese people (especially the girls ), sometimes I'm not sure if their kindness is real or just an act of politeness.

[Domi Li]

Cool, you're in Japan, too? Shinjuku? Tokyo? Kobe?

Sorry everyone, way off topic .

[Larry Boy]

I'm in 名古屋 (Nagoya)

[Stormthunder]

[Shaper]

I seem to encounter a lot of racism when it comes to jokes or humor. I hear racist or ethnic jokes from people I know and I think that's deplorable. I can't stand racists.
Pop culture in North America also doesn't help. It focouses in on the most popular style in a certain race and practically makes a brand out of it.....it's like popularity is based on how you act in whatever demographic the media says you're in....white kids dress this way and listen to this music, black kids dress that way and listen to that music, that sort of thing.

The day racism dissappears will be a good day indeed

[Reyth]

I can tell you for a fact that racism in America has been fueled for at least 4 decades by enemies of that country and has even been used for political gain, emphasis on used.

People that choose to use their own mind realize the ploy and rise above it while realizing that those who don't are intellectually immature.

Reyth

[Jack Rabbit]

My mother has racial prejudice against blacks. Its really pathetic that she can't understand that its not the color of the persons skin that causes people to act certain ways. She doesn't even realise that she lives in New Orleans, a city that is predominantly black. So by the time someone gets her angry for some reason, its going to be a black person 7 to 8 times out of 10. So shes developed the false mentality that most black people are stupid.

Just today we were in the parking lot of burger king and we were trying to get out, but there wasn't enough room between a parked car, and a car that was in the drive through line.
She got frustrated and muttered "Stupid Niggas".

I just and looked to the side, because trying to correct or argue with her always fails. She will never admit she is wrong. Even when I argue to the point where she knows shes wrong, she'll just say something like "You know what?, you do whatever you want in a year and a half when you move out."

[Larry Boy]

[Shaper]

I don't think all of America is like that, but it is definitly true that their government is using a tactic like this right now.

[Reyth]

lol that is hilarious.

Look let's get something straight, I like you guys we all have something in common here, interest in dreaming; But let's just at least acknowledge that 9/11 took place and that all of the hijackers were of middle-eastern descent and so therefore it was not racism.

If that's not enough let's remember the US Embassy bombings and an amazing coincidence...

Wait the USS Cole? Whoops...

Oh almost forgot the World Trade Center 1st attack wait this is too easy...

Ok I'm not sure how to spell it but the Kobar towers...

Now, CMON! It's not racism to point out the truth but your response is a perfect example of how racism is fueled by the enemies of America.

Racism is a buzzword.

Just so you know I'm not also being used as blind USA only and first moron, I'll give you the appropriate use of the term racist in reference to the USA:

1) Slavery
2) To a very large extent the subjugation and slaughter of the native peoples of the USA
3) The Mexican American War

Ok the above are valid claims of racism because of unjust forced labor of a single racial group and land stealing from a single racial group but NOT the war on terror.

It's just a fact that this war against the US emanates from the middle-east and it's not racist to point that out, just a simple truth.

C'mon you guys have just got to see this...

Reyth

[plehrar]

Unfortunately when there's difference there's always going to be problems, it's shitty human nature

[Shaper]

No one is dsiputing that all those things were commited by people from the middle east, but George Bush has used this tactic to instill fear in the population in order to serve his own ends in Iraq. Honestly, when you think of a terrorist, what comes to mind? Need I say more?
I think it's sad but I think it's also true. I don't think this is a reflection of the United State's population or anything, I just think it's a reflection of the government and the fellow who is running it now.