The flip-side of this then is what elevates the estimation of the people calling them racist?
It seems that we've gotten away from actually demonstrating through action, deed and word the accusation of racism, and redherring's post and self-described experiences seem at least to indicate an impression that generally speaking, paints a much more moderated and less inflammatory picture.
I mean, if in a large crowd, some 2 or 3 percent hold signs which are clearly racist, do their actions indicate that the person ten people away holding the sign demonstrating against current fiscal policy also a racist? Is the latter person even necessarily aware of the former?
If we fail to link an individual to personal actions, words, and deeds which are racist, then saying "Just because they don't think they're racist doesn't mean they aren't" comes tantalizingly close to accusing a person with a negative argument (like trying to answer the question: "Have you stopped beating your spouse yet?"). It presumes guilt without demonstrating it, and just like that question, there is no way to defend ones self against it. But the weakness originates in these circumstances, from the person making the accusation.
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Date: 18/4/10 03:49 (UTC)It seems that we've gotten away from actually demonstrating through action, deed and word the accusation of racism, and redherring's post and self-described experiences seem at least to indicate an impression that generally speaking, paints a much more moderated and less inflammatory picture.
I mean, if in a large crowd, some 2 or 3 percent hold signs which are clearly racist, do their actions indicate that the person ten people away holding the sign demonstrating against current fiscal policy also a racist? Is the latter person even necessarily aware of the former?
If we fail to link an individual to personal actions, words, and deeds which are racist, then saying "Just because they don't think they're racist doesn't mean they aren't" comes tantalizingly close to accusing a person with a negative argument (like trying to answer the question: "Have you stopped beating your spouse yet?"). It presumes guilt without demonstrating it, and just like that question, there is no way to defend ones self against it. But the weakness originates in these circumstances, from the person making the accusation.