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racist
i live in a racist family. i am not racist though. i have some black, asian, and indian friends also. they dont make comments in public, but in the privacy of our home. it truely bothers me when they say something mean and we've had arguements about this many times. my parents think its ok to talk trash about people if they're not there to hear it. i hate them for that. whenever i talk about my friends they joke around and tell me that if they come over they'll steal something of ours. i just want them to knock it off. if i try talking about it, they'll laugh at me like im kidding. they even tease me about having friends like that. one time i went out with a really nice asian guy and my brother kept going on and on. its so annoying. how can i tell them that its not fair to treat people this way?
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Maybe give some free advice about: Families?
You are certainly in the right to feel the way you do. Even if they are "joking" it's still racism--just the same as if they are serious. If your family were to say the things that do in the workplace, they would most likely be disciplined or terminated, and could be the center of legal action. Racism is sometimes learned from parents, but almost always it is because the person stereotypes others. I consider it a form of ignorance..because they really haven't a clue!
You can become active in helping your family to change by staying positive about your friends. Encourage communication between your friends and your family..so they can get to know them better, and really see that they are good people.
This article is interesting:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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A lot of people that are "racist" are merely joking. They may say a lot of racially motivated jokes, and make comments that some people may find horribly offensive - but in all honesty, they're just words. To you it's not fair for them to treat people in the way that they do - but to them maybe it's not fair for you to treat them like they're doing something wrong. You thinking it's wrong is no more valid than they thinking it's right. And therefore you're just as wrong for telling them to stop as they are for doing it in the first place.
If you don't like the comments they make - either ignore it, go along with it, or tell them to stop.
If one doesn't work - go with another.
One of those three will work if you do it right, I assure you.
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Hi
Unfortunately the world is filled with people who think if someone looks different than them (race or personal appearance), has beliefs different than them, or has a disability, then they are not worthy of being considered a good person who can contribute to society.
These people, unfortunately are VERY unlikely to change. Racist people have a very closed mind, and are usually quite insecure within themselves.
The fact that you can rise above your family's predjudism and continue to have an open mind should be commended!!!
If you are in a situation where the conversation turns ugly, then just get up and walk away. I think your family will eventually get the point that you are not interested in joining in on their "human bashing".
You can tell them till you're blue in the face that you disagree, but you're wasting your breath. Just remove yourself from the conversation.
Always remember that you are the better person. Good for you!!!
Brenda
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