Is racism natural?

[Amnesiac]

Simple question that's sure to ignite a shitstorm: do you consider racism to be natural? Is it normal for humans to discriminate against people who aren't like themselves? Should these attitudes be tolerated as long as the rights of others aren't infringed?

I am in no way advocating racism; I simply want to know your opinions on this topic. I do believe that racism is a natural disposition. However, it is also suppressible. I don't think people should outright discriminate against others, however, I find it understandable when someone feels apprehensive about people of different ethnicities. Still, considering the high intelligence of the human race, just because we have natural urges doesn't mean we can't suppress them for the greater good.

[TopGear]

Well to be short and sweet about it, yes to an extent. If you were born during the time of slavery, and grew up during that time that was normal for them. If you grew up in germany during While Hitler was in power, then yes because it was normal to be racist against the Jews. So to an extent it could be normal for humans to discriminate against people who aren't like themselves.

[Amnesiac]

Well to be short and sweet about it, yes to an extent. If you were born during the time of slavery, and grew up during that time that was normal for them. If you grew up in germany during While Hitler was in power, then yes because it was normal to be racist against the Jews. So to an extent it could be normal for humans to discriminate against people who aren't like themselves.

I'm not talking about whether it's socially acceptable or not, but if racism is a natural instinct. I know that racist attitudes are heavily influenced by social stereotypes as well, so we can add that in. The question is whether or not racism is natural, something people are born with, or something that's carved into their minds during childhood.

[ShyGuyInChicago]

Yes it is natural. People naturally fear what is different and unfamiliar. Therefore, they try to suppress it in a variety of ways.

[TopGear]

or something that's carved into their minds during childhood.

Well, what I was saying about growing up during those time periods would diffidently cause them to be racist. because that was the norm.

[Modus Operandi]

inb4shitstorm

Anyway, yeah; it's fear of the unknown at its most basic level. Makes perfect sense: if you've grown up around nothing but white people and haven't met any people of a different race, you probably would (I'm talking about when someone is like 4 or 5 and not old enough to 'know better (as one might say)) regard them with a certain level of caution.

As for those attitudes being tolerated, that's a tough question. No one like to feel excluded, but is it really that big a deal? I'd say overall that they shouldn't be tolerated though.

Also:

"First we'll teach you your colors, and then we'll teach you not to judge people by them!"
Backwards logic is fun.
(Wow, that was completely unrelated)

[Peace God]

Only slightly. I saddens me when people sit back act as if racism is almost impossible to solve and change, when diversity is all we really need. If you are separated from or have a lack of interaction with another group of people(it doesnt have to be just race...it can be nationality, religion, age), than ignorance, prejudice and then possibly discrimination are guaranteed to occur.

Edit:
Yes it is natural. People naturally fear what is different and unfamiliar.
See that's my point...with greater diversity in people's lives, other races don't have to be different and unfamilar.

[Amnesiac]

As for those attitudes being tolerated, that's a tough question. No one like to feel excluded, but is it really that big a deal? I'd say overall that they shouldn't be tolerated though.

Well, if they're not bothering anyone else, why shouldn't their views be tolerated? In my opinion, a racist person who doesn't threaten to kill people should be left alone, just like a pedophile who keeps to himself should be.

Well, what I was saying about growing up during those time periods would diffidently cause them to be racist. because that was the norm.

Well, children don't have to be taught to be racist. I think it'd be normal for a child to develop racist attitudes either from cultural stereotypes (how 'other people' look, dress, talk, where they live ["those kids from the apartments!"]), or just because their skin color is different and foreign.

[TopGear]

Well, children don't have to be taught to be racist. I think it'd be normal for a child to develop racist attitudes either from cultural stereotypes (how 'other people' look, dress, talk, where they live ["those kids from the apartments!"]), or just because their skin color is different and foreign.

Your right, they dont have to be, but some just are. I agree that children do develop racist attitudes about anything thats different from the norm or what they are use to seeing.

[Modus Operandi]

Well, if they're not bothering anyone else, why shouldn't their views be tolerated? In my opinion, a racist person who doesn't threaten to kill people should be left alone, just like a pedophile who keeps to himself should be.

I think I may have slightly misunderstood what you meant initially. If you're drawing the pedophile comparison, I'm guessing you mean the racist isn't actually making his views known all that much. In that case, yes, let him be. But if he's being an obnoxious loudmouth about it, THAT shouldn't be tolerated.

[Amnesiac]

I think I may have slightly misunderstood what you meant initially. If you're drawing the pedophile comparison, I'm guessing you mean the racist isn't actually making his views known all that much. In that case, yes, let him be. But if he's being an obnoxious loudmouth about it, THAT shouldn't be tolerated.

I think if an openly racist person is being loudmouthed, he should be trolled to no end. Same with religious fanatics. I mean, I don't think it would be acceptable to punish them for expressing an opinion, but it would be acceptable to pester them with questions.

[Afraid Of Me]

i think racism is taught

[TopGear]

I think if an openly racist person is being loudmouthed, he should be trolled to no end. Same with religious fanatics. I mean, I don't think it would be acceptable to punish them for expressing an opinion, but it would be acceptable to pester them with questions.

Absolutely, If they are open and forcing there opinion on others then sure, they should be questioned.

[Amnesiac]

i think racism is taught

Isn't it natural for humans — or any animal — to discriminate against individuals unlike themselves? I don't believe it is entirely taught. Racism probably comes from both instinct and childhood experience. I'm having a hard time finding any evidence to back this up, though, which is why I keep saying 'probably'.

[Iceman]

Yes. Simple answer

[Sage]

Humans are prone to blow small differences out or proportion and leaders have always used scapegoats and outsiders to divide people.

[Ryhanna]

Yes it is natural. People naturally fear what is different and unfamiliar. Therefore, they try to suppress it in a variety of ways.

This.
Fear is how things like racism and homophobia came to exist. People fear others that are different to them, or live a different way of life.
Since fear is natural, that makes things that grow from fear natural too. Not good, but natural.

[Syvelocin]

Ehh... I don't really think so.

When considering natural, I always look at other animals. My dumbo rat loves my fancy rat. My black cat gets along great with my two long-hair grey cats. Same with different dog breeds and a lot of other things like that. I think it's natural to be afraid of things you aren't familiar with, but I can't think of any examples off the top of my head. There might be a couple, but the majority of animals aren't racist exactly.

[The Joker]

I simply believe that it's a combination of a few things. I totally understand why someone who was raised by racist parents would be a racist at first. Your parents are supposed to be your guider, the one thing that would never lie to you and always tell you the truth. You are supposed to naturally trust your parents, so if they tell you a lie, you might not know it's a lie simply because they are supposed to tell you the truth, all the time. If your main source of truth and information were wrong, you wouldn't know, just like how it's likely that no one would notice a word being misspelled in a dictionary.

Another part of racism is pussification. Yes, pussification. If a little white child asks his white mother, "Mommy, why is that man's skin brown?", what do you think the mother's reaction would be? Shock, and she'd try and quiet her child down. She would be embarrased. The kid would see that and possibly think that it means that having a different skin colour isn't something you should talk about, and that it might be bad. If the mother explains why, then the child would understand it and it would be natural.

[Korashk]

Questions like these are why it needs to become ethically acceptable to study wild individuals.

[Iceman]

Ehh... I don't really think so.

When considering natural, I always look at other animals. My dumbo rat loves my fancy rat. My black cat gets along great with my two long-hair grey cats. Same with different dog breeds and a lot of other things like that. I think it's natural to be afraid of things you aren't familiar with, but I can't think of any examples off the top of my head. There might be a couple, but the majority of animals aren't racist exactly.

But its natural for animals to reject other animals too. Some animal mothers will reject their runt of the litter.

[Quahog]

I think it's natural for humans to hate certain things, like foods, and television shows. I think with race, it's a whole another issue. So no, I don't think racism is natural.

[Amnesiac]

I think it's natural for humans to hate certain things, like foods, and television shows. I think with race, it's a whole another issue. So no, I don't think racism is natural.

Well, you didn't really explain yourself there. Isn't it natural for any sentient being to discriminate against those that aren't like themselves?

[Quahog]

Well, you didn't really explain yourself there. Isn't it natural for any sentient being to discriminate against those that aren't like themselves?

Bah, I just don't think it's right to hate someone, over something they have no control over. My opinion.

[Amnesiac]

Bah, I just don't think it's right to hate someone, over something they have no control over. My opinion.

I know it's not morally right, but is it natural? As in, biologically reasonable behavior. That's the question here.

[The Joker]

I think it's natural for humans to hate certain things, like foods, and television shows. I think with race, it's a whole another issue. So no, I don't think racism is natural.

Huh? You're more likely to naturally hate a TV show then an actual person?

[Dark_Hellfire]

Everyone's a little bit racist
Sometimes.
Doesn't mean we go
Around committing hate crimes.
Look around and you will find
No one's really color blind.
Maybe it's a fact
We all should face
Everyone makes judgments
Based on race.

[Ali_Cat]

Is racism natural?
Thats a tough question. Yes, it is human nature to fear what is different from ourselves.
Obviously, a child who is born into, and grown up in a racist family, has a very high chance of being racist as an adult. But if we`re talking about natural, then what happens when a child is born into a completely non-racist family. Lets say, a child is adopted into a family where noone has the same ethnicity. Mother is African American, Father is Corean, brothers and sisters are adopted as well and all come from a different ethnic group. If racism is natural, would that said child be racist? I don`t think so. I mean, think about it. Children are sponges, they absorb anything and everything, and often form opinions based on what they`re taught. If a child grows up in a family such as that, and interacts with friends of all different ethnicities, and is taught from a very young age to never judge someone based on their skin color, I don`t think that child could form a racist mind. I believe racism is something you`re taught, weather directly or not.

[Mrs.KermitTheFrogx]

I think its pritty sad that in this day and age that people still are racist
But i think the laws in england are blown WAY out of propotion
eg ... in Englang we are not aloud to sing a nursery rhyme called
Black Sheep Black Sheep. WTF ?!
but apart from that i think it is ... but racism will NEVER go away
To much shit in history has happened for it to ever completly heal
Even though i have many diffrent friends from all diffrent cultures
its sad that people still think that becuase somebody looks very diffrent
Our hearts are all the same :)
(If your going to say some smart cocky remark like some our hearts are diffrent some are stronger and weaker ...SHUT THE FUCK UP I DONT CARE... you no what i meen :PP )
Haha xx

[embers]

Yeah. It's natural. People are different, so give yourself an excuse to insult them. The most common racist observation is 'they smell bad'.

[gingeylover14]

yeah i think its part of human nature to want to be the superior so we automaticaly pull others down to bost our selfves but i dont think the more extreme degrees of it are completlt natrual there influenced by society and culture increasing the racist/sexist feelings

[Bluesman]

In a way yes, it's natural. We recognize people as being different, and although I'm in no way an expert in psychology I'd say it's natural to thing we're superior to people who are different. Like the OP said I don't see racism as right, nor am I advocating it, but I think it is natural to an extent.

[Fact]

Simple question that's sure to ignite a shitstorm: do you consider racism to be natural? Is it normal for humans to discriminate against people who aren't like themselves? Should these attitudes be tolerated as long as the rights of others aren't infringed?

There is no way of being racist without infringing another person's rights, therefore it should not be tolerated.

I'd say that IN THIS SOCIETY it is normal to single out what is not the common norm e.g. skin colour, ethnicity etc. The same as you'd pick out a yellow flower in a patch of white ones, because it's different. However, you shouldn't have to treat the person any differently, because the way in which they are different does not mean that they should act any differently to the others that are all the same, so they shouldn't be treated differently either.

I am in no way advocating racism; I simply want to know your opinions on this topic. I do believe that racism is a natural disposition. However, it is also suppressible. I don't think people should outright discriminate against others, however, I find it understandable when someone feels apprehensive about people of different ethnicities. Still, considering the high intelligence of the human race, just because we have natural urges doesn't mean we can't suppress them for the greater good.

What exactly is it that you 'understand' about others being apprehensive of others?
Also, people shouldn't 'suppress' their racism. I'd much rather know who I can actually trust by people displaying who they really are, rather than hide it, which eventually would not be 'for the greater good'.

[Amnesiac]

There is no way of being racist without infringing another person's rights, therefore it should not be tolerated.

I'd say that IN THIS SOCIETY it is normal to single out what is not the common norm e.g. skin colour, ethnicity etc. The same as you'd pick out a yellow flower in a patch of white ones, because it's different. However, you shouldn't have to treat the person any differently, because the way in which they are different does not mean that they should act any differently to the others that are all the same, so they shouldn't be treated differently either.

It's entirely possible to be racist without harming other people. Take, for example, the modern KKK and Neo-Nazi parties in the United States and other Western nations. Yes, they stage protests, but they don't actively infringe on the rights of other people. One may hold racist views but not act on them.


What exactly is it that you 'understand' about others being apprehensive of others?
Also, people shouldn't 'suppress' their racism. I'd much rather know who I can actually trust by people displaying who they really are, rather than hide it, which eventually would not be 'for the greater good'.

Well, I can see why they believe what they believe. Unlike many in today's society, I don't automatically dismiss racists as idiots — their viewpoints are flawed, yes, but I don't discard anyone's opinions until I actually hear their full arguments. Some people were born into racism, like many are born into religion, and I can understand why they feel that way.

I agree with you about people suppressing their racism. I meant that people should suppress violent racist thoughts, which are actually dangerous.

[embers]

Well, I can see why they believe what they believe. Unlike many in today's society, I don't automatically dismiss racists as idiots.

Why shouldn't you? Racism is idiotic in itself, and declaring yourself as racist = declaring yourself a moron. It may be natural to dislike change in others, but it certainly isn't sensible or logical, and we know it.

...their viewpoints are flawed, yes, but I don't discard anyone's opinions until I actually hear their full arguments.

I'd listen to their full arguments, but I probably would discard them afterwards. After all, what's the most sensible argument one can have for being racist?

[Amnesiac]

Why shouldn't you? Racism is idiotic in itself, and declaring yourself as racist = declaring yourself a moron. It may be natural to dislike change in others, but it certainly isn't sensible or logical, and we know it.

I know, but as I said, I don't automatically dismiss anyone's views until I hear their explanation as to why they believe that.

I'd listen to their full arguments, but I probably would discard them afterwards. After all, what's the most sensible argument one can have for being racist?

Scientific racism is an entire field. Believe it or not, you can actually use scientific studies to support racist ideologies. Of course, these arguments are also flawed, but they're based on something besides blind discrimination.

[Sebastian Michaelis]

I wont lie im raciest to an extent. and i believe its natural

the way i see it is that there are good people and bad people

white and black good
white trash and Ni**ers bad
and lets face it. what group has more people

[embers]

Scientific racism is an entire field. Believe it or not, you can actually use scientific studies to support racist ideologies. Of course, these arguments are also flawed, but they're based on something besides blind discrimination.

Isn't one of the studies that falls into this category the thing about black people on average having a lower IQ than whites? It was something like black people have an average of 95, white people 100 and east/central Asian 105. I'm sure there's more to scientific racism than just that though.

white and black good
white trash and Ni**ers bad

So wait, you're going to call every black person you consider 'bad' a nigger?

[Amnesiac]

Isn't one of the studies that falls into this category the thing about black people on average having a lower IQ than whites? It was something like black people have an average of 95, white people 100 and east/central Asian 105. I'm sure there's more to scientific racism than just that though.

This is the IQ level of native races to regions:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/92/AverageIQ-Map-World.png

So, yes.

[Quahog]

Huh? You're more likely to naturally hate a TV show then an actual person?

Yes I am. It's perfectly good logic once you think about it.

I hate people who kill people, because killing is wrong, and they chose to kill people, so therefore I hate them.

A person can't choose their race. So therefore, I don't think it's fair to hate them over it.

[Iceman]

Yes I am. It's perfectly good logic once you think about it.

I hate people who kill people, because killing is wrong, and they chose to kill people, so therefore I hate them.

A person can't choose their race. So therefore, I don't think it's fair to hate them over it.

So you hate the people that won you your freedom?

[Quahog]

So you hate the people that won you your freedom?

I'm talking about serial killers, murderers. Not soldiers/war heroes.

Bah, this debate could go on forever, and I don't think we will ever reach a conclusion to it.

[Iceman]

I'm talking about serial killers, murderers. Not soldiers/war heroes.

Bah, this debate could go on forever, and I don't think we will ever reach a conclusion to it.

They both kill people.

[Sogeking]

Image (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/92/AverageIQ-Map-World.png)

Aren't you upset Australia is one of the lowest IQ?
No offense, I was surprised that came out to be.

[Amnesiac]

Aren't you upset Australia is one of the lowest IQ?
No offense, I was surprised that came out to be.

While I didn't know the Aborigines had such a low IQ, it doesn't offend me or anything.

[The Joker]

Yes I am. It's perfectly good logic once you think about it.

I hate people who kill people, because killing is wrong, and they chose to kill people, so therefore I hate them.

A person can't choose their race. So therefore, I don't think it's fair to hate them over it.

Explain more?

Hating someone for doing any one act is a terrible thing. You have absolutely no clue for the motivation of the killing. If I killed your mother, I'd assume that you'd probably be cool if your dad killed me for retribution. I'd also like to note that sometimes people don't actually choose to kill, but have a mental illness that commands them to kill (through a voice in schizophrenia, for example).

[Magus]

I'd also like to note that sometimes people don't actually choose to kill, but have a mental illness that commands them to kill (through a voice in schizophrenia, for example).
Like this guy:
http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20081109074648/uncyclopedia/images/9/9b/Charles_manson_expressions_3129.gif

Oh, racism is totally natural. Fuck you white pigs! Alalalalalala!

While I didn't know the Aborigines had such a low IQ, it doesn't offend me or anything.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/InvertedIQbyCountry.png
Nope, you rank average on IQ. SHIIIT! Those, Japs, Kongs and Koreans have the highest IQs ranks(Because they have the fastest internet connection - durr)!

[Zephyr]

We're not born racist, society molds us. That being said, I do think that the vast majority are always a bit more inclined to lean towards people who share the same characteristics, as it's what we know and it's what we're comfortable with. When people start feeling uncomfortable, that's when dislike is made, and the more people push on that, the more it intensifies. Some people get over it, some don't. The majority of people that I know put it like this: They hate the people who act stereotypical. I do have to agree with that. No race is immune to being in any social position though: Asians can be trashy, black people can successful, lations can be legal citizens, middle easterners arn't terrorist immigrants, blah blah blah. It takes a certain type of personality to overcome racism; To not be the minority blaming the majority for everything, but instead being responsible for themselves and deal with what adversity that may come their way in a mature manner.

Me personally?: I'm in no position to be racist. I'm part white, part middle eastern; I have black and asian relatives, two of my best friends are latina and native american... and I'm predominantly Swiss, so I have to be neutral ;) In all honesty, I tend to lean towards whites, despite my situation, because it's what dominated, I live in a mostly caucasian area.


Oh, and watch, for laughs:

BHFUH_frhBw

[Alaph]

Simple question that's sure to ignite a shitstorm: do you consider racism to be natural? Is it normal for humans to discriminate against people who aren't like themselves? Should these attitudes be tolerated as long as the rights of others aren't infringed?

I am in no way advocating racism; I simply want to know your opinions on this topic. I do believe that racism is a natural disposition. However, it is also suppressible. I don't think people should outright discriminate against others, however, I find it understandable when someone feels apprehensive about people of different ethnicities. Still, considering the high intelligence of the human race, just because we have natural urges doesn't mean we can't suppress them for the greater good.

It's natural to make mistakes in how to tell what a person is like, which racism could be a form of.

[Name]

Racism is nothing more than a symptom of a human's natural need to have more power. including power over others, and by treating those who look different (hence different races) they gain more power over them, everyone is racist to some extent and don't deny it.

[Ali_Cat]

Oh, and watch, for laughs:

BHFUH_frhBw

Got to be one of my favorites of dave chappelle:D