# Are you a racist? Warning signs **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 7, 2014, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519 "2014-07-07T08:12:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![choie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/choie/32/7829_2.png) [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/61 "2014-07-07T20:25:53Z")
(Looks at posts by **Shodan** , **magellan01** , and **chicagowhitesox1173** , then glances admiringly at **Little Nemo** ) Damn son, this thread’s like a tar bab–um, better put it another way–a _roach motel_ for defensive racists. 😃 Well done. Seriously. **chicagowhitesox1173** is perfectly depicting the “do you assume everyone secretly thinks the way you do about race?” example. Because no, we don’t, and thank God for that. I understand in the Anthony Cumia situation maaaaybe some people are just such fans of the show that they’re twisting themselves into pretzels trying to explain away the inexplicable and only make themselves sound either woefully naïve or blatantly ignorant (shades of what got **Broomstick** in trouble at the beginning of the MZB kerfuffle). But even if one previously thought Anthony was just putting on some kind of character on his show, those string of vile tweets have _got_ to be a wake-up call. No, he’s not just exaggerating for humorous effect. That repulsive shit he wrote was toxic sludge that he spewed in public thinking himself playing to an avid crowd of fans. The same with Gary Oldman. No, Gar, everyone doesn’t secretly think “heh, yeah, those Hollywood-running Jews, they really know their money!” That’s one of those lines where the defense is usually, “But–but it can’t be a bad thing to say if it’s a _compliment_, and besides it’s true or at least it was, 100 years ago!” (Hmm, that shtick might need to go on the list too.) It really is depressing how often this crops up on the SDMB. People joke about Rape Month, but sadly–like the old joke about “How come there’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day but no Children’s Day?”–_every_ month is Racist Month. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/62 "2014-07-07T20:28:32Z")
> [@marshmallow](#): > > You only date/marry inside your race. > > All your friends outside of work are your race. > > Your neighborhood is overwhelmingly your race. > > And the school you send your kids to. Doesn’t that describe pretty much the entire US midwest? Also Luxembourg and Somalia. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/63 "2014-07-07T20:29:59Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > So if you live in a mixed neighborhood, your less likely to be racist? Well, that’s what the [studies indicate](http://www.universityherald.com/articles/7895/20140304/people-living-ethnically-diverse-areas-less-racist-more-tolerant-toward.htm). > [@](#): > > The researchers found that levels of racial prejudice among white people fell significantly when they lived in ethnically mixed communities, even when they were not in direct touch with the minorities. > > The finding is based on seven studies conducted in England, Europe, the United States and South Africa between 2002 and 2011. Interesting that you take it for granted that this wouldn’t be the case, though. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/64 "2014-07-07T20:30:43Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > So if you live in a mixed neighborhood, your less likely to be racist? cmon have you ever lived in such a neighborhood because if you have then you would think differently. Because target rich environment? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/65 "2014-07-07T20:31:33Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > cmon have you ever lived in such a neighborhood because if you have then you would think differently. You’re an idiot. When you’re in a hole, stop digging. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/66 "2014-07-07T20:31:45Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Why? > > Even if it’s true that racism’s never going to entirely go away, I don’t see why that should be considered a reason to downplay or ignore it. In fact, the only reason to downplay it or ignore it would be if it’s no big deal to be racist. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/67 "2014-07-07T20:32:57Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > You’re an idiot. When you’re in a hole, stop digging. No,no! I would love to see someone finally dig their way to China. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/68 "2014-07-07T20:36:18Z")
Really, **chicagowhitesox1173** , you should’ve learned the first time. This wasn’t that long ago: > [@NBA Owner's Racism Exposed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-owners-racism-exposed/687069/327): > > Well yeah, I agree. I admit, I’ve profiled black people without knowing them and the ones I’ve done this with have actually turned out to be great guys. If I ever became a racist like these guys at the site Stormfront, then I would want to jump off a bridge. Those people are sickening. That’s why I don’t think Sterling is getting a fair shake. I mean, I know what he said was wrong but I think he’s racist like how maybe I would be racist. Say if I had a daughter and she bought a black guy home, I don’t think I would be too thrilled and I think that’s kinda how Sterling is. > [@NBA Owner's Racism Exposed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-owners-racism-exposed/687069/328): > > I am the daughter who brought the black guy home, then married him. From where I stand, you and he are getting a perfectly fair shake. > [@NBA Owner's Racism Exposed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-owners-racism-exposed/687069/329): > > Well I’m sure your dad wasn’t to thrilled, so is he a racist? I mean cmon I’m not trying to start a fight here. I’m trying to be honest here. > [@NBA Owner's Racism Exposed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-owners-racism-exposed/687069/330): > > My father died before I met my husband. But my mother was ecstatic with my choice and thinks my husband is wonderful. > [@NBA Owner's Racism Exposed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-owners-racism-exposed/687069/331): > > Ok well I apologize if I offended you. Sorry about your father and I’m glad your family is happy with your marriage. ---
**Author:** ![chicagowhitesox1173](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/46a35a/32.png) [@chicagowhitesox1173](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chicagowhitesox1173)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/69 "2014-07-07T20:39:00Z")
You people have never been to the Southside of Chicago so you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. I’m not talking about Beverly Hills vs Compton here. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/70 "2014-07-07T20:40:52Z")
I think racist thoughts against my will. Sometimes a white person will say something really stupid within earshot, and I will reflexively think, “Dammit to hell! Why do white people have to be so ignorant!” But you know what? I don’t excuse myself when I slip up like this. I don’t comfort myself with a convenient, “Eh, everybody does it.” I step back and force myself to consider the more likely alternative: That I’m dealing with one specific individual who is ignorant. Not an entire race. If I catch myself being a racist, I tell myself to stop being so fucking ignorant. Now I’ll concede that it’s quite possible that “everyone is a little racist”. I don’t know if everyone is or not, but anything is possible. But not everyone just shrugs their shoulders and accepts this about themselves. Not everyone allows themselves to be a victim of their own stupidity. ---
**Author:** ![chicagowhitesox1173](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/46a35a/32.png) [@chicagowhitesox1173](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chicagowhitesox1173)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/71 "2014-07-07T20:41:38Z")
hey Marley, again I’m only stating the truth when I say most white fathers and even black fathers would raise an eyebrow if their daughters bought home someone of the opposite race. You are one one of the few who wouldn’t mind. congratulations to you. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/72 "2014-07-07T20:43:00Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Really, **chicagowhitesox1173** , you should’ve learned the first time. This wasn’t that long ago: Yep, the money quote: “That’s why I don’t think Sterling is getting a fair shake. I mean, I know what he said was wrong but I think he’s racist like how maybe I would be racist.” It’s a perfect illustration of the point in the OP. If you are convinced that you’re just telling it like it is and that everyone else has the same thoughts, you never have to look too hard at your own. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/73 "2014-07-07T20:43:06Z")
You’re not stating the truth, you dipshit. You’re assuming other people share your prejudices. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/74 "2014-07-07T20:43:32Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > But what I was primarily alluding to is the conflation between “racist” and “racial”. Yay! “Racial =/= Racist” Bingo! ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/75 "2014-07-07T20:51:32Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > hey Marley, again I’m only stating the truth… You are not doing anything of the kind. You are (1) excusing racism, (2) being racist, and (3) assuming everyone else is as racist as you are. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/76 "2014-07-07T20:56:28Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > You people have never been to the Southside of Chicago so you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. I have and this board has tons of people from Chicago, but OK, you’re the expert on where everybody’s been in their lives. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/77 "2014-07-07T20:58:45Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > hey Marley, again I’m only stating the truth when I say most white fathers and even black fathers would raise an eyebrow if their daughters bought home someone of the opposite race. You’re making two unsupported assumptions here: 1. That “most” other people share your discomfort with the idea of interracial marriage. 2. That if a prejudice is shared by “most” people, that somehow makes it not racist. A position or prejudice doesn’t have to be extreme or outrageous to count as racism. Not so long ago, most views on race held by most white Americans, for example, were racist. They weren’t non-racist just because they were shared by a lot of people. ETA: Oh, and by the way, if said fathers would raise more eyebrows about an interracial relationship involving their daughters than one involving their sons, said fathers have scored a racism AND sexism twofer. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/78 "2014-07-07T20:58:48Z")
Yeah, you have to walk in the shoes of a racist to understand what racism truly is. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/79 "2014-07-07T20:59:42Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > I think racist thoughts against my will. Sometimes a white person will say something really stupid within earshot, and I will reflexively think, “Dammit to hell! Why do white people have to be so ignorant!” > > But you know what? I don’t excuse myself when I slip up like this. I don’t comfort myself with a convenient, “Eh, everybody does it.” I step back and force myself to consider the more likely alternative: That I’m dealing with one specific individual who is ignorant. Not an entire race. > > If I catch myself being a racist, I tell myself to stop being so fucking ignorant. Now I’ll concede that it’s quite possible that “everyone is a little racist”. I don’t know if everyone is or not, but anything is possible. But not everyone just shrugs their shoulders and accepts this about themselves. Not everyone allows themselves to be a victim of their own stupidity. There’s a big difference between being a little racist and being okay with being a little racist. We all have faults but we should acknowledge they are faults and work on fixing them. My OP isn’t just to mock the people who defend racism (although that is a big part of it). I’m also hoping a few people might see something there and realize it does apply to them and rethink their views. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519/80 "2014-07-07T21:00:06Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Do you start statements with the words “I’m not a racist but…”? I’m not a racist but I’m \*so \*hungry right now. In fact, I’m not a racist but I think I could eat an entire pizza. I’m not a racist but the Cubs may be an even worse team than the Astros. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-racist-warning-signs/692519.md?page=5)