Let me start this post by stating that I realize racism is very real and still prevalent in our country. I also realize that the David Dukes of the world are not our worst enemy. Instead it is the "silent" racist who may never make obscene remarks, but may refuse a loan or a promotion to a person of color. However, after a lengthy thread on the Picture Board, I must make some statements and let the dust settle. Just because racism is heinous does not mean that sophomoric words and phrases are racist. Why is it OK for me to use words like "white trash" but not "****"? Why is it OK for black people to use just about ANY words or phrases? Predjudice is REAL. It is not the sign of an intelligent person who chooses to use such phrases, but the words themselves do not make the author a racist. We have grown so uptight over the problem that we attack the wrong symptoms. I do not have any close friends that are black. That does not make me a racist. I would not want to walk alone late at night in certain sections of towns that are predominantly occupied by lower income black people. That does not make me racist. There are reasons beyond simple race that cause the above examples. It is also not the "whole story". I had several black friends in college and we lost touch, like I did with about 95% of my college friends. I also would not walk alone at night through a lower income white or latino or Asian section of town, but that fact doesn't turn peoples stomachs. We need to stop trying to be politically correct, and more importantly we need to stop trying to force everyone else to be politically correct. It's OK to be offended once in a while. Just don't call me a dumb Guinea, because I happen to be a well educated Wop...
