***** Public Apology******

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 19, 2003, 10:47 am

Kyoucan:

I would like to apologize about my racial remarks in the Current Events form. I never really considered myself a Racist but on that remark I really did some soulsearching and came to the conclusion that it was uncalled for and very very unwarnted.

Acies · Post by **Acies** » May 19, 2003, 3:38 pm

It is more the measure of a man to recognize a mistake and appoligize than recognize it and do nothing.

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » May 19, 2003, 5:27 pm

Don't apologize for how you truly feel. You defended your remarks for a good 3-4 more posts after that with much vigor, that says all I need to know. And to think I thought she was just being "kooky" when she called you a racist piece of crap all those times, who would have thunk it.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 19, 2003, 6:58 pm

Krimson Klaw wrote:Don't apologize for how you truly feel. You defended your remarks for a good 3-4 more posts after that with much vigor, that says all I need to know. And to think I thought she was just being "kooky" when she called you a racist piece of crap all those times, who would have thunk it.

As I said Mr.Claw I never considered myself a Racist before or even when I was making that post. It was not until after when I looked at it when I hanged my head and thought to myself "Maybe I am in some way shape or form a racist", Now are there different levels of racism? I dont know that is something I will be asking myself.

To be honest with you looking at the comments came just a couple of hours after I went to the Brooks and Dunn concert. The concert was great and my wife and I had a great night until the last song " Only in America".

The stage was draped in Red White and Blue, Red White and Blue confetti is all over the place. Flags were waving all over the place and when the Marine Corps came out the place went ballistic.

Well you all know me to be vocal on my views about the U.S.A , but when that song came on I looked on in awe at the spectical not really noticeing the Marine Corps comming out and I guess for the guy behind me not clapping loud or hard enough for him. The guy starts screaming at me "LOSER, FUCKING LOSER, WHAT ARE YOU A SAND NIGGER LOVER?.

I was shocked I though how dare this prick call me that. I was pissed, I was shaking.

Then I thought, what am I thinking I did the same thing.

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 19, 2003, 9:22 pm

Of course there are different levels of racism. Feeling uneasy around people outside of your own ethnic group is a lot different than joining the KKK or Black Panthers, or some other hate organization.

However, any level is too much IMO. We're all people, and the sooner everyone on the planet figures that out, the better off we will all be.

Also, takes a big person to apologize over something like that.. especially on a message board. If you are being sincere, I commend you. Try to understand your reasons for your feelings, and then overcome them. You'll be much better off in the long run.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 19, 2003, 10:13 pm

I think most people have minor prejudices that they don't realize. It doesn't just limit itself to racism. Is calling someone fat, stupid, etc. really that much different? (yes I realize I'm guilty of these things)

I do think ignorance can be unlearned, and I would second that if Cart is sincere that's a good step for him.

Silvarel Mistmoon · Post by **Silvarel Mistmoon** » May 19, 2003, 11:52 pm

Of course there are different levels of racism. Feeling uneasy around people outside of your own ethnic group is a lot different than joining the KKK or Black Panthers, or some other hate organization

I don't think that falls under racism. There are Black and White people that grow up in places where they only see or hang out with people of their race. They may hear things that make them feel uneasy but if they choose to get to know that person of another race and see with their own eyes and make up their own decision an not let others tell them how to feel about the other race then they are not a racist.

I do think ignorance can be unlearned, and I would second that if Cart is sincere that's a good step for him.

I believe that these days racist attitudes are taught or learned so I also thing that you can choose to "unlearn" them. It comes down to think for yourself and not what others would have you believe. Judge people by the way they treat you.

Brotha · Post by **Brotha** » May 20, 2003, 12:13 am

When someone I know is being really cheap with their money, I tell them to stop being Jewish. Am I a racist? I hope not

Spangaloid_PE · Post by **Spangaloid_PE** » May 20, 2003, 12:24 am

i think that's more of a stero-type than anything else

Post by **Xouqoa** » May 20, 2003, 1:11 am

Brotha wrote:When someone I know is being really cheap with their money, I tell them to stop being Jewish. Am I a racist? I hope not

My boss is jewish and one of the most generous people I know.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2003, 1:14 am

My ex-roomate is Jewish and makes that joke about himself all the time. Having said that, prejudice is really a two part thing. On the one hand you have actual prejudice, and on the other hand you have the audiences sensitivity level. Depending upon how sensitive someone is to perceived prejudice, you could say almost nothing and make them feel bad.

As a general rule, unless you have a close personal relationship with someone, it's best to err on the side of caution if you're teasing or trying to be funny.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » May 20, 2003, 1:23 am

One of the radio dj's kept using the term 'jewed' with out properly knowing what it meant. I found it humorous, and later heard her apologize on the air for her ignorance.

Akaran_D · Post by **Akaran_D** » May 20, 2003, 2:04 am

It's hard to really be mad at someone for being ignorant, I guess.
Yeah, you can get pissed at them.. but seriously. I live in WV, close enough to ohio to not be a complete redneck, but my fiancee grew up down in the center of the state. I also go to college around here.. trust me when I say that some of these people honestly DO NOT know history, DO NOT know *why* calling someone a name that more educated people would consider racist *because it is all they know* - it's all they've been taught, and it's all they've grown up around.

I have no problem feeling anger towards someone that does just that - hate, and expecially the ones that know better. But the only thing I can bring myself to feel towards people that are just plain ignorant because they just don't know any better or know any better way to be.. I feel sorry for them. About the only thing you can do is try to teach... but if they refuse to learn, then they've made their choice - not caring to learn is a bigger sin than just not knowing.

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » May 20, 2003, 5:29 am

Am I a racist if I hate everybody?

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2003, 5:52 am

Xyun wrote:Am I a racist if I hate everybody?

Trendy and unoriginal.

Hey, you asked.

Kelgar · Post by **Kelgar** » May 20, 2003, 7:25 am

You've honestly surprised myself and, I'm sure, many of your detractors with this gesture. Congratulations on making your way in the right direction.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » May 20, 2003, 10:30 am

Brotha wrote:When someone I know is being really cheap with their money, I tell them to stop being Jewish. Am I a racist? I hope not

As someone who's Jewish, I would be offended if you used my religion as an adjective in front of me. On the same note however, it's not as if I can stop someone from being ignorant

Crav · Post by **Crav** » May 20, 2003, 12:45 pm

Personally I believe that we all hold some prejudices. It's part of the demon that is inside of us, that tells us to fear, hate and envy others. It's part of who and what we are as human beings. The real issue is whether you recognize it for what it is and what you choose to do about it. I am sorry to you had to come to this realization the way you did, there are very few things more hurtful then your first experience with ignorant hate.