Systemic Racism is Alive and Well

[Moksha]

Tell me some white racial slurs that are so sacred we can't actually say or type the word in court or online out of fear of losing your job and permanent public banishment.

Wouldn't it be wise for members of the judiciary down south to switch to some other less inflammatory racial epithet?

Best to keep sacred racial slurs in church.

[Res Ipsa]

I’ve been trying to think of a slur against white folks who were enslaved by black or brown folks for decades. You know, a term used to degrade them and remind them that they were subhuman, even after they were legally granted the same rights as other Americans. A slur used by those who lynched white folks, who burned white folks’ homes, and bombed white churches.

For some odd reason, nothing comes to mind.

[ajax18]

I’ve been trying to think of a slur against white folks who were enslaved by black or brown folks for decades. You know, a term used to degrade them and remind them that they were subhuman, even after they were legally granted the same rights as other Americans. A slur used by those who lynched white folks, who burned white folks’ homes, and bombed white churches.

For some odd reason, nothing comes to mind.

A name, even a derogatory name, is eventually what we make of it.

Once upon a time in a land far away, lived two young men. The two brothers were likable, but undisciplined, with a wild streak in them. Their mischievous behavior turned serious when they began stealing sheep from the local farmers, a very serious crime in this pastoral place, so long ago and far away.

In time, the thieves were caught. The local farmers decided their fate: The two brothers would be branded on the forehead with the letters ST for “Sheep Thief.” This sign they would carry with them forever. One brother was so embarrassed by this branding that he ran away; he was never heard from again. The other brother, filled with remorse and reconciled to his fate, chose to stay and try to make amends to the villagers he had wronged. At first the villagers were skeptical and would have nothing to do with him. But this brother was determined to make reparation for his offenses.

Whenever there was a sickness, the sheep thief came to care for the ill with soup and a soft touch. Whenever there was work needing to be done, the sheep thief came to help with a lending hand. It made no difference if the person were rich or poor, the sheep thief was there to help. Never accepting pay for his good deeds, he lived his life for others.

Many years later, a traveler came through the village. Sitting at a sidewalk cafe eating lunch, the traveler saw an old man with a strange brand on his forehead seated nearby. The stranger noticed that all the villagers who passed the old man stopped to share a kind word, to pay their respects; children stopped their play to give and receive a warm hug.

Curious, the stranger asked the cafe owner, “What does that strange brand on the old man’s head stand for?”

“I don’t know. It happened so long ago…” the cafe owner replied. Then, pausing briefly for a moment of reflection, he continued: “…but I think it stands for SAINT”.

If I had that “ST” on my forehead when I was young, I wonder how would people remember that “ST” on my forehead now? Am I living in kindness and love today that people would start believing that ST as “saint”? I wonder again…

[Some Schmo]

Whenever I hear about someone calling African Americans racial slurs, all I can think about is how fundamentally insecure and self-loathing they must feel. People who like themselves don't feel superior to others over perceived "race."

All racism is really about is people having a crappy life and blaming it on people they don't know. Racists are pathetic and incurably stupid.

[Morley]

A name, even a derogatory name, is eventually what we make of it.

You don't believe this.

[Res Ipsa]

Cool story, bro.

So, let me see if I understand it. Black folks originally deserved to be called the n-word as punishment for something bad they did to white people. And if black people today would just atone for their sins by devoting their lives to being nice to white folks, the people who have cling to their racism like a baby clings to its blankie will forget that the n-word meant subhuman and decided that it means “better that human.”

Yeah, really cool.

[ajax18]

Cool story, bro.

So, let me see if I understand it. Black folks originally deserved to be called the n-word as punishment for something bad they did to white people. And if black people today would just atone for their sins by devoting their lives to being nice to white folks, the people who have cling to their racism like a baby clings to its blankie will forget that the n-word meant subhuman and decided that it means “better that human.”

Yeah, really cool.

Were you ever called names in Jr. High school? Did you pass a law to expel other students for calling you names or did you learn not to let it bother you? What approach would make the name calling go away quicker?

[Res Ipsa]

Cool story, bro.

So, let me see if I understand it. Black folks originally deserved to be called the n-word as punishment for something bad they did to white people. And if black people today would just atone for their sins by devoting their lives to being nice to white folks, the people who have cling to their racism like a baby clings to its blankie will forget that the n-word meant subhuman and decided that it means “better that human.”

Yeah, really cool.

Were you ever called names in Jr. High school? Did you pass a law to expel other students for calling you names or did you learn not to let it bother you? What approach would make the name calling go away quicker?

I don’t expect adults to behave like Jr. High School students. And that goes extra for a judge, who is required by the code of judicial ethics to not only be fair, but to maintain the appearance of fairness. How about y’all just stop doing racist stuff rather than demand that your targets turn the other cheek?

[Some Schmo]

Were you ever called names in Jr. High school? Did you pass a law to expel other students for calling you names or did you learn not to let it bother you? What approach would make the name calling go away quicker?

I don’t expect adults to behave like Jr. High School students. And that goes extra for a judge, who is required by the code of judicial ethics to not only be fair, but to maintain the appearance of fairness. How about y’all just stop doing racist stuff rather than demand that your targets turn the other cheek?

LOL

If the word has no power, I wonder why racists keep using it.

[K Graham]

How about y’all just stop doing racist stuff rather than demand that your targets turn the other cheek?

Remember who you're talking to.