This may be opening a real can of worms, but I'd like to engage in a constructive dialogue on this topic in light of recent protests in America over the Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman tragedy.
This is one issue that puzzles me - For decades, there have been 100s of neighbourhoods in America that are essentially ruled by gangs. They are largely organized homogeneously around race/ ethnicity. They clearly have a "Neighbourhood Watch", except it is militarized, brutal and lethal. Im not sure the local community actually held a meeting and invited them to form their organization it was likely established by force. They watch over their turf. They actually profile people. They actually hunt and stalk people. They engage in criminal activity routinely, including pre meditated murder.
Are they racist(s)?
I appreciate that race & bias are complex issues. I am not trying to offend anyone. I am genuinely curious about the "equivalence" when thinking about racism in America today. I am open to a wide range of persuasive views from others. I am sure that others have studied and experienced these issues more than I have, so I am hopeful of finding a real teachable moment for myself and others.
My biases ? - I will try and be critical in my assessment of my own biases. I am anti division, whether on the basis of class, race, religion, gender, sexual identification, income, wealth and other "categories". I feel strongly that there is too much division in the world today. I am currently of the view that we dont talk reasonably about the right issues , in a civil/ informative way , rather, we get caught up in the minutiae of a media led / talking point/ ill informed narrative. Too many thought and discussion leaders have personal agendas to maintain their power and affluence- to the detriment of those of us living outside the benefits, perqs, access and protection they maintain for themselves .
This is one issue that puzzles me - For decades, there have been 100s of neighbourhoods in America that are essentially ruled by gangs. They are largely organized homogeneously around race/ ethnicity. They clearly have a "Neighbourhood Watch", except it is militarized, brutal and lethal. Im not sure the local community actually held a meeting and invited them to form their organization it was likely established by force. They watch over their turf. They actually profile people. They actually hunt and stalk people. They engage in criminal activity routinely, including pre meditated murder.
Are they racist(s)?
I appreciate that race & bias are complex issues. I am not trying to offend anyone. I am genuinely curious about the "equivalence" when thinking about racism in America today. I am open to a wide range of persuasive views from others. I am sure that others have studied and experienced these issues more than I have, so I am hopeful of finding a real teachable moment for myself and others.
My biases ? - I will try and be critical in my assessment of my own biases. I am anti division, whether on the basis of class, race, religion, gender, sexual identification, income, wealth and other "categories". I feel strongly that there is too much division in the world today. I am currently of the view that we dont talk reasonably about the right issues , in a civil/ informative way , rather, we get caught up in the minutiae of a media led / talking point/ ill informed narrative. Too many thought and discussion leaders have personal agendas to maintain their power and affluence- to the detriment of those of us living outside the benefits, perqs, access and protection they maintain for themselves .
