I went to an all-white school in an all-white neighborhood. We had one Jewish family. We had two Indian families and one of my two best friends was 1/4 Native American. That was IT for diversity.
And yet, the majority of people I ever knew were not overtly racist. They didn't make comments about people of color or Jews. They didn't tell mean ethnic jokes. They had more problems with your Christian religious denomination than what color you were. We had a HUGE Catholic vs. Southern Baptist smackdown-o-rama perpetually raging.
Jews, however, not Christian, so they were fair game, but mostly it was the sigh and, "pity they're going to Hell, so and so is so NICE." thing.
I think it just goes to show that people will find the things that divide them and pick at them whatever they are.
If your community is ALL WHITE the white folks will find reasons to hate the other white folks.
People who are different are even more in danger, but people love to feel "superior" to others for any reason they can find. And they WILL find a reason and they WILL fight.
People want to feel special. They'll cling to anything and anyone that tells them they are, whether it's the Bible, a leader, or you name it. And people will do what they can to stomp on others to make themselves feel better.
I truly think it's what's behind all persecution of every kind.
It's also truly hard to address, but I can't help but thinking it should be part of any attack on racism, sexism or fanaticism of any kind.
Maybe we can sell them the concept that not being racist makes them better than other people?
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And yet, the majority of people I ever knew were not overtly racist. They didn't make comments about people of color or Jews. They didn't tell mean ethnic jokes. They had more problems with your Christian religious denomination than what color you were. We had a HUGE Catholic vs. Southern Baptist smackdown-o-rama perpetually raging.
Jews, however, not Christian, so they were fair game, but mostly it was the sigh and, "pity they're going to Hell, so and so is so NICE." thing.
I think it just goes to show that people will find the things that divide them and pick at them whatever they are.
If your community is ALL WHITE the white folks will find reasons to hate the other white folks.
People who are different are even more in danger, but people love to feel "superior" to others for any reason they can find. And they WILL find a reason and they WILL fight.
People want to feel special. They'll cling to anything and anyone that tells them they are, whether it's the Bible, a leader, or you name it. And people will do what they can to stomp on others to make themselves feel better.
I truly think it's what's behind all persecution of every kind.
It's also truly hard to address, but I can't help but thinking it should be part of any attack on racism, sexism or fanaticism of any kind.
Maybe we can sell them the concept that not being racist makes them better than other people?