So-Called Racism
Jamie notes in a previous post:
1.) How is it that you “proudly” say that you believe some cultures are inferior to others, and yet when I say that that is racism and biggotry you cry like a school kid? Why? Is that belief not racism? Isn’t that the essence of racism? Why the tears?
Arguing one culture is superior to another culture is not racism. The only way this could be considered racism is if I was using ‘culture’ as a substitute for ‘race’. I’m not. I have cleverly chosen the term ‘culture’ to convey the meaning culture and not race. Had I wanted to convey the meaning of race I would have cleverly used the term ‘race’.
If you are still skeptical I encourage you to go to this post, the one in which you accused me of being a racist. Using the command function of your browser do a search for race or any derivation thereof and you will find the only time ‘race’ is found is in your comment. This is because I didn’t use the word ‘race’.
One quick stop at Dictionary.com and we find the definition of racism:
a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
Please note that all three definitions make use of the term ‘race’. Since, under my guidance you already searched for ‘race’ in my passage and failed to find the word you would be wrong to conclude that I’m a racist based off that passage. For someone that speaks so highly of deferring to the data I find your stubbornness in asserting my racism surprising.
Given that you are an intelligent person capable of concluding ‘race’ was never used in my passage the most charitable interpretation for disregarding the evidence is that you believe culture is de facto race. This conceit paints you as the simpleton you wish to equate me with. For you see in your agitation with my passage you blurred the ‘nuance’ between culture and race. In point of fact, in attempting to show why my summary judgment is problematic your actions, in fact, exhibits precisely why summary judgment can be problematic. Now that’s irony.
At the time I realized that you were agitated with what I was writing, it is controversial after all, and figured with some cool reflection you would realize the absurdity of your claim and drop it. Since you persist in calling me a racist I must ask for either a cogent argument showing my racism or an apology. Failure to make a persuasive argument forces me to conclude that you do not defer to the evidence or that you are a simpleton incapable of distinguishing between race and culture. Of course an apology tells me that cooler winds have finally prevailed and you are willing to drop something that’s patently false.
November 1st, 2007 at 2:10 pm
LMAO…. The man who uses words the way he sees fit and criticisizes those who correct him, now wants us to engage in word games. Well, I can do that… Interesting points from dictionary.com
In reference to classifying the human species, race is now under dispute among modern biologists and anthropologists. Some feel that the term has no biological validity; others use it to specify only a partially isolated reproductive population whose members share a considerable degree of genetic similarity. In certain broader or less technical senses race is sometimes used interchangeably with people. People refers to a body of persons united usually by common interests, ideals, or culture but sometimes also by a common history, language, or ethnic character: We are one people; the peoples of the world; the Swedish people. Nation refers to a body of persons living under an organized government or rule, occupying a defined area, and acting as a unit in matters of peace and war: the English nation.
From the International Convention to end all forms of racial discrimination…” the term “racial discrimination” shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
In both cases the use of “middle-eastern” culutre as a classifier easily fits into a modern definition and use of race or racism.
Just to make you feel better. I will apologize if anyone thought I was claiming that Steve was a “pure biological” racist. That would be one that believes that the shared genetic background of a particular group is superior to that of a second. Of course, Steve doesn’t really beleive in genetics anyway, so I can’t imagine this is what he means.
So there, you have my rebuttal and your apology. What more could you ask for?
Oh, and if you want to simply get in a semantic argument because one of the definition’s came from the UN, don’t bother. I won’t respond. It doesn’t change your world of hate.
November 1st, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Wait… Steve doesn’t really believe in genetics?
November 1st, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I’m sure he believes in genetics, but never try to argue with him about one being genetically predisposed to “not be able to take action” against their current state. Translation - Steve believes that homeless folks and others that are down on their luck simply made the decision to find themselves in that capacity. That’s certainly not the argument of someone that would be likely to believe in genetic predeterminism which is often a fundamental in those that subscribe to drawing differences with “biological” races, as opposed to discussing a more antropological view of race.
November 1st, 2007 at 9:29 pm
So uh, how about fruit flies with a null mutation in the dorsal gene? They really just made the -decision- to find themselves with decreased concentrations of Glutamate type 2A receptors in their neuromuscular junctions, I take it.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
[…] Jamie posted a comment defining racism as: In reference to classifying the human species, race is now under dispute among […]