I think so, too. Avoiding a person who looks like a thug is different than avoiding any and all black people because you believe they are all thugs.
Perhaps. But it is not a qualifier for prejudice or plain insensitivity. Not everything that white people do which black people find offensive is based on hate and racism. Much of it is simple status, wealth, social, and class prejudice that offends everybody because everybody does it to each other, too. More of it is simple insensitivity based on ignorance. Outrage over the slightest things is rampant these days but there is no Constitutional right to be protected from being offended. We must accept that friction happens, its natural, and we must get over it. It distracts from the serious racial issues that must be faced if we turn everyday human conflicts into racism.
No, not at all. Hate isnt a prerequisite to prejudice. Sermon at church yesterday was on loving people who are different than yourself. You dont have to like all that they do, as Christ loved all but didnt condone lifestyles of those who he hung out with. At least the parts I heard when I wasnt nodding off. Side note: next sunday is Police reconciliation sunday, my church invited law enforcement from all over the area for this service. I thought it was worth mentioning here.
I may still have a vest laying around with all my other gear. Don't forget your shield to protect your eyes from the pepper spray.
Yes it is. If you have misconceptions about a person or persons of another race or ethnic group you are prejudiced but not necessarily racist. If you hate them because of their race you are a racist. For instance if someone told a joke about black people or Mexicans or Irish or whatever and you understand the underlying precept of the joke it means only that you have been exposed to the stereotypes of that group. It doesn't mean you hate them. For example somebody texted me a joke this morning. He said that a friend of his went into a CVS in Baltimore and the only things left on the shelves were suntan lotion and Father's Day cards. Whether you think that's funny or not, if you "get it" does that make you a racist? Does that mean you hate black people if you laugh or even chuckle a little bit? NO!
