Racism on Martin Luther King Day?

[bcholmes]

According to this article 59% of Quebecers have indicated in a poll that they're at least somewhat racist.

This passage is interesting:

Jedwab, who's the executive director of the Montreal-based Association of Canadian Studies, said it's dangerous to have a survey that shows such a high level of racism.

"It will lead people to say, 'Let's face it, everyone's racist,'" he told CBC News Online. "They'll think it's to be expected. That will minimize the resolve to combat this problem of racism that needs to be addressed."

I can see the point. On the other hand, my own feelings on the matter have been hugely influenced by a comment a friend of mine made once in University. He said, "of course I'm racist. I grew up in a racist culture; I have no choice but to be racist." The trick is not to just accept that; stay aware, and seek to fix. I think, for one thing, that outlook keeps me from having a knee-jerk reaction to discussions about racism and white privilege.

There's another quotation I'm fond of, from Yvonne Rainer's film, Privilege: "The best I can ever hope to be is a permanently recovering racist." I once mentioned this to wild_irises and she said: "that may be the best we can ever hope to be but we can hope more for the next generation." Which I felt was a good additional thought.

Comments

[hellsop.livejournal.com]

The trick is not to just accept that; stay aware, and seek to fix.

100%

It's like the old joke about masturbation

[abostick59.livejournal.com]

"... And the other 41% are liars."