by Jack Edwards » Wed Mar 23, 2016 10:52 pm
Mike said:
The racism charge is absurd. Racist is a word pretty much devoid of meaning at this point so often has it been used as a general slur and I'm genuinely disappointed to see it flung here, by you.
Mike - I'm the one who wrote the rather sarcastic post about the various presidential candidates - and what I perceive as a relatively poor choice that we have. I'm sorry if my flippant comment caused offense, I actually agree with you that the term "racist" really doesn't mean much at all anymore. The true definition of racist is that one believes that certain races are inferior to others. I have not seen Trump specifically act as a racist by this definition. Our media and culture seem to use the word in a much more broad sense and a slur as you noted. I used the word more in that context, but regret it in retrospect as it is an inflammatory and imprecise word. As I wrote that little rant, I used that word in self reflection - I'm tired of being called a racist by our present administration and culture. I'm not. Yet, far too often, when I or anyone like me disagrees with a progressive policy, it's attributed to racism, not rational thought. I believe by your comments you feel similarly.
I do note that Trump stereotypes Mexicans and Islamists with a very broad and negative brush. The worst in our society gravitate to that - and use it to validate their own prejudices against people that are different than them. I see this as very negative, and it seems to me that Trump is doing this on purpose to garner support. Perhaps he is not technically racist, but his rhetoric does not encourage people of different races to come closer together in understanding - but rather creates division.
I weekly work in a church ministry with Hispanics. I know them and their children and speak their language. They are good people. The VAST majority that I know simply want to work and provide for their families and are here legally as far as I know. Their responses to terrorist attacks are the same as any Americans. I do not defend illegal immigration and do not deny we should have rational immigration policies. But I can say this, having lived in a latin american country for a time, that had I been born there, I would have expended every effort legal and otherwise to leave and come to a place like the United States where I could through my efforts lift myself up in freedom.
I loathe Hillary for her dishonesty, but I fear Trump and what his policies and rhetoric could do to our culture and nation.
Regards,
Jack
[quote]Mike said:
The racism charge is absurd. Racist is a word pretty much devoid of meaning at this point so often has it been used as a general slur and I'm genuinely disappointed to see it flung here, by you.[/quote]
Mike - I'm the one who wrote the rather sarcastic post about the various presidential candidates - and what I perceive as a relatively poor choice that we have. I'm sorry if my flippant comment caused offense, I actually agree with you that the term "racist" really doesn't mean much at all anymore. The true definition of racist is that one believes that certain races are inferior to others. I have not seen Trump specifically act as a racist by this definition. Our media and culture seem to use the word in a much more broad sense and a slur as you noted. I used the word more in that context, but regret it in retrospect as it is an inflammatory and imprecise word. As I wrote that little rant, I used that word in self reflection - I'm tired of being called a racist by our present administration and culture. I'm not. Yet, far too often, when I or anyone like me disagrees with a progressive policy, it's attributed to racism, not rational thought. I believe by your comments you feel similarly.
I do note that Trump stereotypes Mexicans and Islamists with a very broad and negative brush. The worst in our society gravitate to that - and use it to validate their own prejudices against people that are different than them. I see this as very negative, and it seems to me that Trump is doing this on purpose to garner support. Perhaps he is not technically racist, but his rhetoric does not encourage people of different races to come closer together in understanding - but rather creates division.
I weekly work in a church ministry with Hispanics. I know them and their children and speak their language. They are good people. The VAST majority that I know simply want to work and provide for their families and are here legally as far as I know. Their responses to terrorist attacks are the same as any Americans. I do not defend illegal immigration and do not deny we should have rational immigration policies. But I can say this, having lived in a latin american country for a time, that had I been born there, I would have expended every effort legal and otherwise to leave and come to a place like the United States where I could through my efforts lift myself up in freedom.
I loathe Hillary for her dishonesty, but I fear Trump and what his policies and rhetoric could do to our culture and nation.
Regards,
Jack