----- Original Message ----- From: "R.Y.Fixer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 6:25 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: [313] Regarding Business
> One entry found for racism. > > Main Entry: rac·ism > Pronunciation: 'rA-"si-z&m also -"shi- > Function: noun > Date: 1936 > > 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and > capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority > of a particular race Sorry to prolong this, but this is the heart of the matter. Who defined this and when? 1936??? I think it's likely that race relations have changed a bit since then. This is *one* definition of racism. As Tamara has been trying to point out, there is an entire field of study devoted to this topic. These is no consensus definition of what *is* racist. Critical race theory exists to that end. As someone who has changed his views on race relations, and had those views profoundly changed by what he read with an open mind, I can highly recommend taking Tamara's suggestions to heart, and educate yourself about race offlist rather than presuming that *you are right* about it, or that it can simply be reduced to a difference of opinion. No one is *right* about racism, but we all need to learn about it. These opinions are informed by our class and race pivilidges, our open-mindedness to unlearn what has been given to us from the moment we became social and by considering in detail the experiences of those that are different from us. Consider that we all (black, white or whatever) may have racism (in its many forms) to unlearn! And even if not, there may be institutional forces at work that go beyond the scope of yours and my view. As I posted a few weeks ago, Bell Hooks provided the breakthroughs for me, and Malcolm X helped prepare me for her more radical vision. I can't recommend another book more than "Killing Rage, Ending Racism". Derrick Bell's fiction featuring Geneva Crenshaw is also very thought provoking. It very well may change the way you see the world if you'll read this material sincerely. It may not, and if you still disagree, you'll at least have considered a different viewpoint. That's a good thing! People arguing these points here are trying to effect change through debate and impassioned speech. Dr. King did this, Malcolm X did this, and many people's views were changed as a result. Take a step back, consider that none of us know everything about race, and open your mind to the evidence, regardless of what you may decide. Tristan ---------- http://www.mp313.com <- Music http://www.metrotechno.net <- DC techno + more http://www.metatrackstudios.com <- DC DJ/Production studios http://phonopsia.tripod.com <- Hub [EMAIL PROTECTED] <- email <FrogboyMCI> <- AOL Instant Messenger --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
