Racism 101: Are you a Racist?

This is by far the most disgusting thing I see when two people get into a heated discussion.

Yes, there is a time and place for the “Agree to disagree” statement. That place is where “Frivolous” lives. If you are going to “Agree to disagree” over what is the best restaurant, it works. If you are going to “Agree to disagree” when something may or may not be racist, NOT OKAY.

When the topic is important, there needs to be a clearly defined right and wrong.

I would define “Important” as anything that could have a negative affect on someone’s life.

Now, just so we are all clear, I am positive that some smart ass person will read this and say “Going to a crappy restaurant could have a negative affect on my life.” No, no it can’t. You will not lose a job because you went to a crappy eatery. You will not be looked down on by society because you picked the wrong diner. At most, you will get food poisoning which would suck but once it’s over, it’s over.

When talking about racism and what does or doesn’t fit into this category, the lines need to be clearly drawn. This and any discussion of any type of oppression needs to be clearly defined. There is no “Draw” that can justifiably be agreed upon. 

Now, I am talking about a discussion, conversation or debate. I am not talking about the person who is not listening and adding their point of view. I am not talking about the person who is simply speaking to hear their own voice. Equally, I am not talking about the person who is so willfully ignorant that no matter your points of proof, they refuse to see that they are wrong. These people shouldn’t be part of your life in the first place. Willful ignorance is futile. 

With others, those that are capable of logical thinking, the “Agree to disagree” often comes when they or you are just tired or talking. Don’t allow this to happen if the discussion is of any import.

The reason this is so important in the first place can be summed up by a perfect quote from Desmound Tutu:

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

Never allow yourself or those that are worth your time to be “Neutral” on topics of import.