When I received the 2 offers on my condo, I told my agent, “I hate to play the race card, but let’s just go with the Asian girl.” Granted her offer was higher than the other one, but even if they had been equal, I still would have given preference to her over the white male. Isn’t that totally racist? Don’t we naturally and instinctually prefer people who are similar to us? Which is why you are likely to see groups of Indians hanging out at District wine bar in SOMA. It’s the same reason you see circles of white people hanging out in the Marina. When our ancestors immigrated here, they didn’t choose some ho hum random destinations, they gravitated toward locations where other family members or friends went.
Merriam Webster dictionary defines racism as having a racial prejudice or preconceived opinion. When I favor someone who is Asian isn’t that akin to Hitler favoring the Arian race? If that is the case, then aren’t we all racist? Which brings me to the best song in the musical Avenue Q: Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist.
The reason I thought about this post was because of the Masters. I want Tiger Woods to fail because he disgusts me to no end. But I heard about the 14-year-old prodigy Tianlang Guan from China and have been cheering him on ever since. Again, isn’t that totally racist?!
Becky
Nope not racist…Tiger is part Asian. Could be that he disgusts you because of his actions in his private life not because of his race.
Catherine
I used to be a huge Tiger fan until I became aware of his monstrous behavior.
She'sWrite
I think many of us were Tiger fans until we heard about his adulterous and gross ways.
Michelle
I was reading a study about why it was challenging creating a diverse work force. Part of it is because our social circles are not diverse and we want to help our family and friends. This means that until everyone’s social circles become more diverse, creating diversity must involve conscious work.
Booing Tiger (half black, half asian) would only be racist if the reason you’re booing him is because he’s black. And that you’re disgusted by black people.
Racism is when we stereotype a race for particular attributes and presume every person who is a Part of that race always has those same attributes. Such as assuming all black men commit crimes. And assuming every black man will commit a crime against you.
Since the Asian woman put in a higher bid, your racist side is theoretical at this point. Though, at least you know you’re being a bit racist if their bids were equal.
I don’t have a problem when individuals in their personal lives are racist, so long as they know they are. I hate when people are racist and when you call them out they deny it.
What we need to prevent is institutionalized racism where structures like tests discriminate whole groups, like the old carry a wooden ladder test for firefighters that discriminated against women.
She'sWrite
Ohhh I love this response. I agree. I hate it when people don’t fess up to their racist inclinations. It’s like they have to be card-carrying members of the KKK before they get honest with themselves and admit they have a little racism inside.
Catherine
Thanks Michelle, I needed some time to think about your response. You always make thought-provoking comments on my blog. Do you think it’s racist to stereotype certain ethnicities for good attributes, for example Blacks can sing and dance. Jews are good with money.
I was at a party with a bunch of middle-aged people and this young girl in college tried to make conversation. We started chatting and she said to me, “You must be good at math.” As soon as she said that, the whole group turned on her and said that was a really racist thing to say. I actually had to protect her for making the comment. I laughed it off and said, “I’m actually not that good at math.” But it got me thinking how sensitive group mentality can be and how some people can take these things to the extreme. I mean, I was the only one in the group who was asian so if I was offended, then I should be the one to speak up for myself and not all these other people speaking up on my behalf!
Rafael
Ok LL Cool J. Songs over.
Lynne Childress
Found you on SITS! I was intrigued by your title. And I agree. When a black actor is nominated for an Oscar, I root for them, probably because so few of them are. That does make me a bit racist. Sigh.
Catherine
I was Team Gabby Douglas all the way for gold in gymnastics!
Classic NYer
I’m pretty sure I’m also a little bit racist. I’m a musician, and whenever I go to a local show, it makes me happy to see more black people than white people on stage, especially if they’re playing jazz, r&b, or soul music. And yes, I know this is ridiculous, especially since I know quite a few excellent white jazz musicians. It’s even more ridiculous when you consider that both my husband and my best friend are white. I’m a walking racial contradiction. But you know what? I’m okay with that.
Happy Sharefest!
Catherine
You’re totally proving my point. This is a great example. We are all biased given that we naturally root for our own kind, but the fact that we have close friends and significant others that are different ethnicities shows that we truly are not racist. It shows that we’re open-minded, but also nurturing as we want our culture/roots/heritage to succeed and prevail.
Jennice
I do believe that all of us are a little bit racist. I’ve even noticed itin my 5yo daughter. She picks out white Barbie’s over black ones. I don’tmake a big deal about it to her because she’s doing it subconciously but when she gets older we will definitely discuss it further. I’m Jennice visiting from #SITSsharefest
Catherine
I was surprised and heartened to see my friend’s daughter rocking her Black baby doll. She is Asian, but this is her favorite doll. I was really proud of my friend at that point for introducing diversity into her children’s lives at a very early age.