MLK and tolerance

[ppine]

Today is Martin Luther King's birthday and a good time to have a conversation about tolerance. I grew up as a kid near Wash DC and had lots of experience with race issues. I used to play basketball against black kids for money on the playground before MLK, and travelled in the Deep South in the 60s. We have come a long way.

At this point I believe America is a much more tolerant place with regard to race, sex, disabilities, sexual orientation, and most other forms of prejudice.
I do see a lot of prejudice still in the West toward Mexican people, and towards Muslims in other parts of the country.

For those that still have prejudice, I urge you to try to figure out what the source of that prejudice is. Were you raised that way? Did you have experiences a long time ago, (like in the Service)? It is probably okay to have some prejudice towards a group as long as it is never directed toward an individual.

America is still the melting pot, and we are all imigrants except for Native Americans. I urge empathy on this day. What do you think?

[Lamebeaver]

Originally Posted by ppine

It is probably okay to have some prejudice towards a group as long as it is never directed toward an individual.

Disliking a whole group, based on experience with individuals IS the definition of prejudice. I think the below statement is a better summary:

It is OK to dislike an individual, as long as you do not project that dislike to a whole group.

[oldsarge]

I treat all individuals the same, with fairness and respect...until they give me reason to do otherwise. The problem is that any specific "Group" brings most of this on itself. I guess it all depends on where you live too. When 75% of the group is conducts itself like lazy street thugs and trash, you can't help too perceive them all that way. I agree with your thinking Lamebeaver, but sometimes it's hard. Most of life is like this, for example, when buying a car, if you see that nothing but lemons are rolling off the line, you're not going to buy one. I know it's like comparing apples to oranges and we're dealing with human beings here, but now you have someone who is capable thinking and trying to manipulate others into playing their game. I'm tired of games!


This works both ways. When my son was growing up and I try to tell him about presenting himself in a positive manner, not only in attitude but his appearance. He say's that people should treat him fairly not by how he looks. I told him that if I didn't know him and he walked into my business looking for a job dressed like some head banger rock & roller, with his pant all hanging down. He wouldn't stand a chance of even getting an interview. At least make the effort.