Sorry, I haven't read most of this topic. I'm just gonna state my views.
I've been a bit hesitant to post in this topic, because I don't want to come off like a racist. But the very fact that I feel that hesitation is a sign that there's flaws in the way our so called "politically correct" society handles racism. The truth is, I will actually defend people (to some degree) who have intolerance towards different groups.
There's sort of a "witchhunt" going on for people who are intolerant towards another race or another sexual preference. Basically, its a very concious choice by society to discourage intolerant attitudes. If you have those views, then you are not encouraged to be honest about them. It's almost like people who finally go public about their intolerance have somehow done something so horrible and unforgivable that there's no turning back. Almost like they've somehow been possessed by some sort of demon. They will forever be labeled a racist (or a homophob, etc.).
But most people who feel intolerance towards certain groups usually don't feel that way for no reason. I believe racism is a byproduct of a very natural and essential survival skill. Throughout life, you need to have the ability to quickly assess situations and people to determine the best course of action as quickly as possible. It relies heavily on
assumptions, because you will never have the time to investigate every single case. Having negative experiences in a pattern associated with certain people and things lead to a pattern in
your behavior that will cause you to avoid and dislike those people/things. If you ask me, that's perfectly NORMAL.
But if someone is unfortunate enough to have a bunch of negative experiences with certain ethnic groups, and therefor develop negative assumptions about them, then they are heavily pressured to never reveal how they feel. They wouldn't want everyone to find out that they're THE THING!!!
Why can't we just be honest about how we think towards ethnic/sexual preference groups that we've developed a problem with? I'll lead by example: Personally, I have negative assumptions about blacks, hispanics, homosexuals, bisexuals, and drug users. There, I said it. I wasn't born with these, but consistent negative experiences with them have caused me to not want to get to know any new ones I meet, because I believe they will probably be like the ones who affected me in the past. And guess what... My assumptions usually aren't wrong.
Have I been infected by some sort of demon? No! Can I usually function without allowing these things to affect me on a noticable level? Absolutely. But god forbid I ever stand up in public and say that.
I have more to say, but its not coming to me ATM.
Also, 1000 posts!!!