So I was going to go back and quote different comments but instead I am just going to make a general statement.
I actually am mostly native american, at least that is what my DNA test tells me. Choctaw and some Munsee according to my research. between the two I am 68%. The rest of me is Scottish and a mix of stuff. However I have facial hair and a French name so go figure. My wife and son are Jewish and I am myself a very laid back christian raised as Baptist. I cannot say that I personally have ever had any personal issues with my race growing up with a couple exceptions living in Chicago. See I did not know I was mostly Native American, I mean I knew there was some in the family but the topic never really came up. Being older and looking at my great grandparents photos that I do have it is obvious. So I was raised pretty much white for all intents and purposes because perception, while not the truth, it certainty comes across as such to most.
Speaking to the John's "devil's advocacy" statement:
To say it is impossible not to be racist because one is white definitely depends on one's perception of the word. I see that this has been debated a little and my take is that it is not impossible, but [probably quite rare.) - Again taking the definition into consideration. Have I ever said or thought racist things? Yes I have, but one has to take things into context. Ever play Cards Against Humanity? We love the game and I play usually after our poker game with those that want to stay and have fun, and most of the players are not white and they love the game too. There are other instances that come up, and I am not innocent by any means, but never have I thought I was better than anyone or thought that racism does not exist. I know you are not saying these things, I am just sharing thoughts. I grew up pretty poor, but my parents always provided one way or another, that is a blessing and I am very grateful and lucky for it. Things got better financially in my teenage years as my father grew in his career. He worked very hard to get where he did when he retired, I cannot think of a single time his "whiteness" helped, of course he did look more "Indian" than I do so maybe that's why it took so long for him to get earn what he was worth - I have no idea, he never mentioned it.
With my wife being Jewish I have seen firsthand the hurdles and unfair/racist remarks and situations she is put in which directly effects our home, which does include me, white looking and all. Her last job was one prime example and without going into details (that is her story to tell not mine) she eventually quit which strangely enough put us in the position to be able to take the long vacation we are on right now.
Not really trying to detract from the original context of the thread, but I thought a little background may help.
I am certainly not looking for pity or a pass on anything I say, but more of an understanding of me, the screwed up Native American white hetero, male- Cis if you want, that term doesn't bother me, I have also seen the horrible things people say and do to transgender and alt lifestyle friends and family and it usually falls under one of two things, or both. Hate and ignorance. But to say someone is inherently racist based on their race would mean we all are, minority or not and I do not believe that. Anyway that is my take on that topic, I am always open to friendly albeit heated debate be it online or in person. I might not have the vocabulary that many do, but I do have experience.
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Someone, Yoda I think it was you, (paraphrasing here) mentioned how many things are surfacing more because of certain catalysts bringing them forward and that they were already inherently there. Sorry if I am misinterpreting your statement, please correct me if I am wrong.
I can agree with this to a point. I think there has been a wet blanket over much of what we are seeing currently and in our recent past, but I also think those catalysts can and do birth new ideas and biases and mistrust, etc...
I really liked the horseshoe theory, I had actually only heard f it once before and never really thought about it until now. I think it is interesting and makes a point that I have been trying to make for years. That we are all more similar than we think, unfortunately we never tend to grasp to that ideology, instead we focus on differences and labels and prestige and how others perceive us, etc...
Throw it under whatever category you want:
Race
Sex
Age
Gender
Sexuality
Religion
Mental Illness/handicapped
Financial Status
Eye color
hair style
on and on - it all is the same in the end. Hate and ignorance, and I do not use ignorance solely in the "demeaning" way. For example I am ignorant about brain surgery, but does anyone hate me for that? However if I do not know that something I say is racist (I am being honest here and maybe it is a bad example but hey its what I got) does that make me a racist? No it does not - it may make me ignorant or seem racially insensitive, but it does not make me a racist. Same goes for may other things, but since race was brought forth it is a good example.
So I have been trying to post this for hours now, keep getting distracted by dogs, kids, family, etc... I mean that in a good way, I would rather be doing nothing else then hanging with family. I only say this because I glanced and see a lot has already been said on the subject and I am now johnny come lately, but hell going to post it anyway.
More to say on other things, so don't count me out of the conversation yet
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and I will move on from the focus on race, but I was not one to bring that can to the party
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