Should racism be classified as a mental disorder?

It's seems the left is pushing for everything their against to be a mental disorder.
If you have guns
If you think government is too big
If you are a constitutionalist
If you don't like Obama your racist and have a mental disorder.
WOW.

 

It seems to me, that being HUMAN is a mental disorder.. we are irrational, conflicted, contradictory, self-destructive, & murderous. Other than that, we get along just fine..

We don't need a lot of justification to kill each other.. never have. sometimes it's race.. sometimes ideology or religion.. sometimes we just want the other guy's stuff. It usually the string pullers.. the propagandists.. who rile everyone up with some ginned up reason to rush out & kill. Like good little lemmings, we do as they say, giving our lives to advance the agendas of whatever con men are in power.

So sure, classify racism as a mental disorder. But add leftist, democrat, republican, & just about any other 'group' think you can imagine.

Passionate hatred can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. ~Eric Hoffer

 

Eeyeh. Is this really any different from other forms of intolerance? A while ago it was communists and homosexuals who had mental disorders; now racists. Tomorrow somebody else, like religious folks for instance. I do see racists as frequently angry and often self serving. And I agree that thinking in terms of strict categories is silly. But I doubt that all racists are that way, any more than any other stereotype applies to everybody in a category.

Of course, I am all for research. And the kind of research you propose is indeed being carried out; consider for instance the findings on the Implicit Association Test which find that most people have unconscious preferences for their own race. But that means, broadly speaking, that racists are all over the place. In other words, if you stop to look around in real life, I think you'll find that a lot of people you think are pretty cool are actually racist, just the same way that fifty years ago a lot of people the normal fellow thought were fine and decent were actually homosexuals or communists. My advice is to just accept them. They're not going away.

 

So, in your opinion, would rape be morally ambiguous? I mean, the world is "gray", right?

Racism might be symptomatic of a mental disorder, but in and of itself, is not necessarily indicative of such.

 

So long as it applies to everyone, you know, blacks, Hispanics, Indians, Muslims, etc, as well and NOT just white people.

 

You know that isn't true; so do I and millions of other Americans.

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That is very reasonable, in my view.

 

Who said anything about this only applying to white people?

 

Racism is NOT natural - it is evolved through observation.
Here's the thing - when time after time we see the same type of people committing the same type of crimes and acting the same type of way, it's only natural to start having preconceived notions about them.
It's like the whole Muslim/terrorist thing. Only 5% of Muslims are terrorists, but 95% of all terrorists today are Muslim.

 

Are you reading the posts here? No one said/suggested that racism is exclusive to White people.

Certainly, if you look at the specific reasons for some harboring racist thoughts and perpetrating racist behavior... you'll get a better view of dealing with the particular person you are observing. The reason that is important, is knowing better how to handle a certain person/group. Motivations for racism differ; still, it is never acceptable IMO.

 

In my opinion, racism is just a remnant of tribalism, that is, the tendency of humans, and pretty much all animals, to discriminate against perceived or actual "outsiders" or "others". For most of human history, basically everyone was a "racist" in one way or another, however, with the advent of biological science, we have been able to determine that the "race" construct is not based on any meaningful differences between "blacks" and "whites"; indeed, the basis of the discrimination is purely visual and entirely superficial. So, while I can understand the natural inclination of humans to entertain racist thoughts or behavior, I must remain opposed to it as a biologically or intellectually valid construct. I hope, as did MLK, that one day we will live in a post-racial society where people are judged on an individual basis, but I fear that day is being delayed by elements within both the self-described "black" and "white" communities. For example, how can we live in a post-racial society when we have organizations like the Congressional "Black" Caucus? To me, such labeling schemes actually legitimize racist ideology by reinforcing the distinctions that underpin racist thought. We need to reject these types of categorizations and embrace an individualist paradigm, where each person is viewed as an individual and not a member of some arbitrary racial group.

 

I can let the 'labels' go for a bit more. But when I see individuals post many of the visceral things they do within this forum... I know they aren't even trying. They either don't know the steps toward becoming more self-actualized or don't aspire to the same.

I want more people to explain why they 'feel' that ANY group of people is 'inferior' to them? Is it that they have been brainwashed into thinking they are truly 'superior'?

 

What is with this new rash of racism against whites I have been seeing more frequently? "White girl bleed a lot" stuff? I feel like it is the end result of being preached to your whole life that white people and white privilege and rich white CEOs are the cause of all the problems in the world. Democrat districts may castrate white men, but they fill black men with a deep seeded hatred. That isn't genetic, that is liberalism, and the MO of the Democrat party. Wherever they go race riots, and hate crimes follow.

 

You may live in a world of gray which is as bad as living in a world where everything is black and white, not I.

Which definition of racism are you referring too ? Websters, Oxford's ? Which edition ?

Or are you referring to the definition created by the radical left in the name of political correctness who change the definition of words continuously to further their radical socialist agenda ?

The accurate definition of a racist or racism is believing that one race (not nationality or ethnicity) is superior too another race. That's racism.

Who are the racist in America today ? The majority seem to be those Marxist, socialist who hide behind the labels in the Democrat Party as being liberals or progressives. They believe or openly claim that certain minorities are inferior and need special protections under the law, special privileges and free stuff to compete in society. That's racist !

What about those who have a chip on their shoulders and have an inferiority complex and spew their hatred towards those who they feel inferior towards. Why hasn't the politically correct liberals come up with a label for them ? Probably because the radical left uses them as their pawns to further their political agenda.

 

The racism coming from and being dished-out to ALL Americans, is older than what you suggest.

Part of the problem (in my view) is that people wanted too soon to be finished with racism, so people began to ignore that it remained just under the surface in our society. The American people (as a whole) didn't REALLY want to talk seriously about it, until the initial candidacy of President Obama. Right about then, all the questions and thoughts about 'ethnicity' that many imagined had be laid to rest... resurfaced. And now, here we are.

There is little doubt that 'one' of the effects of decades of hammering minorities with racism and discrimination, is hard feelings or animosity toward the 'majority' culture. There is ZERO reason that most White Americans should not experience some of the legacy-effects of racism in this society. Again, the motives for 'individuals' expressing racism, is often nuanced by many things. Contrary to what many like to claim, we do not reject one another... just because we are PHYSICALLY different; there are many other complex social factors at work, that many people need to think about (but often do not).

One need not be an expert social scientist to understand that 'reciprocity' (to some degree) was not going to be escaped. I've warned ALL people in conversations such as this one, to beware how they affect others; what you dish-out into this world generally comes back around in this world. And while some may escape answering for what they've done in this lifetime... it is most likely that their children or grandchildren WILL eventually 'feel' or 'experience' the effects or consequences of racism in this society. And that is why I tell others to NOT TOLERATE IT, and work on the prejudices and fears within themselves. Passing that POISON (racism) on to your children, WILL affect the nation itself (inevitably), in the most negative of ways.

We CAN make things better, but there is no magic solution. War or conflict would just shift the focus to survival... but afterward things would be even worse (as we already know). Our best option is to encourage people to work with one another and see each other as being FULLY HUMAN. Those going around making some claim to 'superiority' or calling others out as 'inferior', are a danger to this society as a whole. Beware people like that and don't put up with their racism; it is like a POISON that some use to perpetuate social/political 'terrorism'. Those people THINK that they and their ways are undetectable, but foolishly they continue virtually in-plain-sight... leaving others to clean up the DESTRUCTION they create in their wake.

Folks please... DO NOT TOLERATE RACISM. Its effects are almost certain to return to your doorstep; help STOMP racism out as much as possible in this society!!

 

I respect your points, but from your other posts I can tell you are in a different generation from me, so we likely have far different perspectives. I grew up in the "dwell on past evils" era, I have had many black neighbors, still do. The ones born and raised here did not fulfil their potential and many have a chip on their shoulder, and a self imposed glass ceiling over their head. Their Haitian and African peers, (many in Florida), do not share these limitations, and fulfill their potential, earn better incomes etc... And English is usually a 2nd language. At what point should the American black community forgive and move on? For their own sake? How does does dwelling on the issue improve the situation?

White people racism is all about an inferiority complex. Klansman today are generally losers and since their lives are meaningless they want to claim some credit for the work done by other people who share their skin color. It is like Germany. Defeated after WW2, broke, emasculated...they turn toward racism, anti semitism etc... Loser people try to claim meaning for themselves and blame another group for all their problems. Like liberals and how they feel about business owners.

 

I don't know, probably no one. But that's how it goes with some people.

Like, the whole calling a white person a cracker versus calling a black person a (*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*) thing that has been spinning around the news lately. One is racist and one is supposedly not. Some people actually make that distinction.

 

Mental disorders are diseases that affect cognition, emotion, and behavioral control and substantially interfere both with the ability of children to learn and with the ability of adults to function in their families, at work, and in the broader society
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11766/

Possible as per definition.

 

And I say that is 'okay'. You and I will both encourage and apply different solutions to a really vast problem. Neither one of us has all or or every answer; no way (being human) that is possible. So, even though you or I may not say it out loud... we do need each other.

Same here. But seriously, I'm a very "White" African American (culturally speaking).

I know. Even so, I have compassion concerning that about many. The "American" experience for many African Americans includes a terribly poisoned well. They draw from it EARLY in their lives. And certainly, there is typically no indication that White Americans want to relate to or clean-up some of the mess they've contributed to over 'several' lifetimes. When I mention the "legacy effects" of racism as I did in the previous post, I'm talking about something very profound that many of us (even with the best of intentions) overlook. That is, what got messed up over and over and over and over... compounded itself like a super-high interest rate on a loan. It's exceedingly difficult to pull oneself out of the effect of such debt or economic deficit.

When I say that I see, realize and know that African Americans are troubled, I say that strictly as an observation... not as criticism. Being Black AND American, is a very different experience from being an American and looking at Blacks. I've done BOTH and not only do I know the difference intellectually... but also emotionally.

I'm fortunate, because I had something to propel me UP/OUT from where I was standing; I soared, IMO. I got a different perspective on "America" as a whole. I see what you are talking about as it relates to Black people AND I also see what too many White Americans either cannot or WILL NOT see. I've had many a White acquaintance/friend sit down and talk with me about what they think or believe they see or experience as an American. And it is something nuanced, from what many African Americans see. The best I can describe it is, we see the same picture... but through a different 'filter'. It is surely something we can relate to one another, but it takes more than just measuring everyone the same exact way. Some people just don't see African American Culture as 'legitimate'... and rest assured, that is a difficult person to communicate with. A lot has to be talked about and explained and it is rare that understanding comes without years of 'relationship'.

Oh yes... I know and have seen what you point out. But again, you are talking about different cultures. Black isn't just Black... it's seriously different stuff. I can and do relate to White Americans, more than Haitians or African immigrants. I didn't grow up around those people, I grew up around White people and Blacks whose bloodlines likely pointed to their ancestors being slaves. I got older and learned more about America's immigrant cultures, but I can assure anyone that what many White folks like, I like it too... and no, I don't walk around WAITING to burst-forth into WHITENESS. I am simply an amalgam of cultural experiences I've had growing up as an American.

But it is often HARD, trying to communicate with White Americans... as to why they do not understand about Blacks what they too often THINK they do. And then again, I've met many White Americans who know WELL that they do not understand these Black Americans around them (culturally); and joy of joys, when they are truly open to learn. Those who are like that, are as easy as a "friendship" with all the natural parameters that come with the same. No special effort required, just time/space and experiences. It's wonderful... and it LIFTS ALL INVOLVED.

I'm sure that we all NEED each other. And that is why I despise the mindset of those who are about 'separatism'. I cannot stand those destructive people; they do not WANT to help and keep on doing DAMAGE.

I know. I've talked to many people like that. Usually they've been taught terrible things by their parents and others in their communities. They would NOT hate minorities, if they were not 'taught' to. It's sad, and as much as I hate doing it... I have to watch my back. It makes me VERY sad to not be seen as EQUAL by some who don't know that WE could help each other.

Yep. And that is why I'm making this post more detailed than most. In order to overcome racism and hatred, WE must be willing to communicate what's in our hearts and not only the knowledge we have. That is, we could all read a textbook on this stuff... but it isn't like a relationship. And I swear, THAT is what Americans need; better 'relationships'.

 

I think all racists in America should be killed. We should have a guideline to follow to identify racists and kill them. It wouldn't be passed on from generation to generation and we would be a racist free country. It's the only way really. With those people out the way, we can focus on real issues and solve them objectively.

 

For me, I think step 1 is to stop talking about it at a national level, and deal with it when it occurs. In another thread there is a video about some native Americans who are still sore over the Indian wars. They have never met a person involved in those wars, but I am not bothered that the Brits took land from my ancestors in Ireland around the same time. It means nothing to me.

 

Yes, you should kill people for thought crimes. Wow. The left is nuts. Now I understand how hitler came to power, how Stalin was cheered, and why Robespierre got to run around chopping off heads. With lefties like that, I think it is time to expand gun rights. Everyman a bazooka in his closet, a flamethrower in his car.

 

Well, I don't want to see people "killed" for that; but AT LEAST viewed with the same level of disdain as someone screaming curse words during a church service.

One problem we have in this world, is that some FOOLS really think that racism is okay or somehow beneficial; when in actuality, racism is one of the most DESTRUCTIVE characteristics of the human race.

I despise racism.

 

My compromise would be to learn to talk properly about it. These wounds will not heal by themselves and surely the sins won't be forgotten. We can learn to forgive, but we cannot always forget.

It is almost ALWAYS occurring; it's human; people do need to know how to deal with 'differences' and it won't always be about ethnicity.

I have a close friend who is a Native American; he's not "sore", but he does despise the ignorance of the REAL history surrounding the plight of Natives in this land. We cannot just place these things aside; that would not be wise.

Please, consider the literal legacy-effect of American history upon those of us who ARE American. We ARE in large part what this 'nation' has been through. There is NO escaping that. And the harder we try to ignore that, the more it boomerangs right back around to slap us in the head (socially).

Personally, I can blow it ALL off, take up the Golden Rule and live nicely with others. But I know that the world isn't THAT simple.

 

I have real trouble seeing how this is any different from the following:

Folks please... DO NOT TOLERATE COMMUNISM. Its effects are almost certain to return to your doorstep; help STOMP Communism out as much as possible in this society!!

or

Folks please... DO NOT TOLERATE HOMOSEXUALITY. Its effects are almost certain to return to your doorstep; help STOMP Homosexuality out as much as possible in this society!!

I really enjoyed this post of yours. But I really wonder whether your story regarding the issue is accurate. Particularly, if you think the rhetoric of separatists hurts, why would you want to be around them? That is, why live in neighborhoods and communities with racists who hate you and want you dead or gone? Why force or even ask them to hang around? If there were a bunch of people near me who hated me, I'd ask them to please leave, and hope they had a better time somewhere else.

 

Exactly. WHen something is THAT DESTRUCTIVE you have to take extreme measures. Sure a lot of people would have to die but it will provide a better quality of life for a lot of innocent people in the future. I think it is reasonable to sacrifice pieces of crap for a better life for groups of people.