How does your ethnic identity affect you?

[mind_wander]

Good point, yeah I am mostly dead middle mostly when it comes to conversations, unless its cultural. But, after taking the personality test, it really have broken my cultural side abit. As being an Asian and understanding the historical disputes with China vs. Japan. This is kinda interesting now because my online fellow INTJ is Japanese-American, as I am Asian-American. I guess this personality test helps destory the culture barriers.

[Rei]

Good point, yeah I am mostly dead middle mostly when it comes to conversations, unless its cultural. But, after taking the personality test, it really have broken my cultural side abit. As being an Asian and understanding the historical disputes with China vs. Japan. This is kinda interesting now because my online fellow INTJ is Japanese-American, as I am Asian-American. I guess this personality test helps destory the culture barriers.

As I've always been rather removed from a single specific ethnic identity so I try to see all the Asian political disputes with as little bias as possible. That is not to say I have no opinions on issues, I merely see both sides. I won't discuss my view of the China vs Japan issue here, as it rightfully belongs in the Politics, History, and Current Events section.

[mind_wander]

Yeah, well lets put it this way, I have a combination of China/Taiwan/US in my blood. Yeah there are conflicts in here too, as an Asian. I try to see at almost 3 sides actually, as for the 4th side would be the Japanese appect, which I never thought of after my fellow online Japanese-American, asked "What would happened, if China invaded Japan first during WWII?" The big theoritical questions, I've never thought of before.

[Stopharian]

Yeah, well lets put it this way, I have a combination of China/Taiwan/US in my blood. Yeah there are conflicts in here too, as an Asian. I try to see at almost 3 sides actually, as for the 4th side would be the Japanese appect, which I never thought of after my fellow online Japanese-American, asked "What would happened, if China invaded Japan first during WWII?" The big theoritical questions, I've never thought of before.

Ni shi Zhong Guo ren ma?

Wo hui shuo yi dian, danshi wo wan le hen duo. 97-98 nian zhu zai Zhong Guo li.

[mind_wander]

STOp,

Wo shi mei ji hua ren! Ni de xiang fa gen wo de xiang ga shi you yi dian bu tong.

Translation: I am ABC-Asian American, our thinking is alittle different. Don't worry, its a challenge; I should be able to hold it in there.

[Rei]

Yo people, stop speaking in "Chinese"

[mind_wander]

Yo, we were having a conversation. Its ok, geez, "I will be logical and put it in plain English."

[Rei]

Well considering this is a forum, it'd be great if conversations posted were in a language most of the forum members understand. :suspicious:

[Jezebel]

How does your ethnic identity affect you? Is it something that matters to you or shapes your views/behavior?







(sorry for the awkward thread start, the first eight posts are split from a thread that has nothing to do with the original topic and needed a good home)

[rwyatt365]

How does your ethnic identity affect you? Is it something that matters to you or shapes your views/behavior?
To the (awkwardly split) point;

I'd say that my personal ethnic identity (Afro-American) only affects me when it is thrust in my face by others (i.e. circumstances). I tend not to think about this aspect of my existence on a day-to-day basis, and operate (what I think is) seamlessly within the majority population and other ethnic groups as well. For the most part, if no one has a problem with me, then I don’t have a problem with them. And I never bring race or ethnicity into any interactions that I have, unless specifically asked to do so.

That, sadly, does not mean that I can, or do ignore this because others sometime bring this to the fore front. I have been caught up in situations where race/ethnicity has been an issue for someone else and that, in turn, have affected me. I won't go into specifics but suffice it to say that my intelligence, worth as a human, familial makeup, and preferences have all been called into question because of my race. I try to shrug all of that off and chalk it up to "bad press" and ignorance (i.e. a lack of knowledge on the subject in question, not the derogatory usage of the word).

Does my ethnicity, and experiences as a result of it, shape my behavior? Of course it does. I would be a fool for saying otherwise. To what degree? I would say that it's only to the degree that I am aware that the things above can and will happen.

Does my ethnicity matter to me? Interesting…my first response is to say "no", because I don't necessarily define myself as "black". I am "me" first, my race ranks well down the list of identification traits (just below "short" and "fat"!). But then, in other regards, it does matter. When Tiger Woods wins a golf match I'm proud of his representation. When Kobe Bryant screws a(nother) girl and gets caught I'm ashamed of his abuse of celebrity.

I guess that's called "being ambivalent", huh?

[Natrushka]

I have always felt different when it comes to topics like this one. I don't *think* my ethnicity affects me and I don't think other peoples' ethnicity affects me either.

I like to think most people annoy me regardless of gender, age and ethnicity.

[mind_wander]

Well considering this is a forum, it'd be great if conversations posted were in a language most of the forum members understand. *:suspicious:
That day you was like yo, changed the language content. Here is a real scenerio of frustrations:

Group of room by spoken language:
A. German, Latin, poor English speaking skills- [Don't know other languages]
B. Latin, English(can't speak English)-[Don't know other languages]
C. Chinese[mandarin], English(oral/written)-[Don't know other languages]
D. Cantonese, Chinese[Mandarin], and somewhat English

Ok, all have in common is English, but think it in your mind of all these people would speak at the same time in their own language. That can easily mute out others who don't know the language. Thats true frustration, I've been there done that. But, I'm very respectful to wait in line and take turns.

[mind_wander]

How does your ethnic identity affect you? Is it something that matters to you or shapes your views/behavior?
To the (awkwardly split) point;

I'd say that my personal ethnic identity (Afro-American) only affects me when it is thrust in my face by others (i.e. circumstances). I tend not to think about this aspect of my existence on a day-to-day basis, and operate (what I think is) seamlessly within the majority population and other ethnic groups as well. For the most part, if no one has a problem with me, then I don’t have a problem with them. And I never bring race or ethnicity into any interactions that I have, unless specifically asked to do so.

That, sadly, does not mean that I can, or do ignore this because others sometime bring this to the fore front. I have been caught up in situations where race/ethnicity has been an issue for someone else and that, in turn, have affected me. I won't go into specifics but suffice it to say that my intelligence, worth as a human, familial makeup, and preferences have all been called into question because of my race. I try to shrug all of that off and chalk it up to "bad press" and ignorance (i.e. a lack of knowledge on the subject in question, not the derogatory usage of the word).

Does my ethnicity, and experiences as a result of it, shape my behavior? Of course it does. I would be a fool for saying otherwise. To what degree? I would say that it's only to the degree that I am aware that the things above can and will happen.

Does my ethnicity matter to me? Interesting…my first response is to say "no", because I don't necessarily define myself as "black". I am "me" first, my race ranks well down the list of identification traits (just below "short" and "fat"!). But then, in other regards, it does matter. When Tiger Woods wins a golf match I'm proud of his representation. When Kobe Bryant screws a(nother) girl and gets caught I'm ashamed of his abuse of celebrity.

I guess that's called "being ambivalent", huh?
Actually, I kinda know what you mean. Put it this way, as an non-traditional Asian, I do accept Africans; keep an opened-mind. However, its traditionally in Asian societies to take in all those "bad press about Africans." The majority of my life, have meet many different kinds of people, like Causians, African's nothing in particular[all the above], Spanish, Asians[not many], others. I've went to school with them. Yeah, I've been made fun of because I'm the only Asian in class for about 12 years or so. Its that kind of feeling that your in a zoo and people stare at you blankly, "What category does this person fit in, never in my life see this one." In the End, I do accept alot of cultures; in the real world you have too in adapting to anything, the INTJ will help achieve that.

Oh yeah, glad to have you on board. Well, you are not alone on this one; no racist ties, just similar personality traits.

[OneBadMother]

Having been raised disjointed from my "culture" (Korean and Japanese), I don't really identify as any more Asian than the next Californian, possibly less so. I can only say hello and grandma in Korean, and only a little more in Japanese, but the latter not as a result of my upbringing. I, uh... like Japanese food. That's about it.

[rwyatt365]

Having been raised disjointed from my "culture" (Korean and Japanese), I don't really identify as any more Asian than the next Californian, possibly less so. I can only say hello and grandma in Korean, and only a little more in Japanese, but the latter not as a result of my upbringing. I, uh... like Japanese food. That's about it.
Yeah, I guess I can say that my 2nd language is Ebonics, but (as my wife continually reminds me) I'm not very good at it. ;)

[Blendy]

I am half Japanese, but raised in the US since I was 2. Like a lot of kids, I denied my Asian heritage in attempts to "fit in"; however, my ethnic identity started becoming more important to me as I got older (ie in my 20s). It definitely shapes my views/behavior, but probably most significantly in ways too subltle to list here. I did recently start learning Japanese though, both because I love languages and because I'd like to be able to communicate with my family in Japan.

[mind_wander]

I see the isolated ethnicity group. As an Asian your always welcomed. I hope this helps destroy the isolationess.

[Rei]

Full-blooded Chinese Canadian, born in Hong Kong, raised in Canada.
Chinese values, British conditioning, topped with Canadian ideals - is probably the closest I can get to explaining my cultural identity. I'd be in a serious identity crisis if I chose to care about identifying with one specific group.

I've been through a stage of pretty much every type of Asian stereotype there is. (that sentence didn't turn out well, but I can't really think of how else to say this)
I've been whitewashed (but not throughly)
I've been obsessed with Japanese pop-media - this was obviously just a phase but I have acquired some knowledge of the Japanese language and culture as a result... and no, not just by watching anime
I've been a fob (for those who don't know what this means, Fresh Off Boat, I got in touch with my HK origin and familiarized myself with some of the politics going on in China etc.)

But in the end I'm essentially a pretty good balance between the first and the last.

When I look at cultural conflicts, I don't have much of a bias. I identify with Asians, but I don't always agree with the things they do to the Canadian society. Namely how some of them come here simply to procreate and reap the benefits of the Canadian government, meanwhile refusing to blend into the society. Let me just use the example of language: people who have lived in America for several years and still cannot speak English with proficiency annoy me. On the other hand, I also dislike those who cut out their ethnicity all together. Those who cannot even speak their mother language, or know how, but refuse to do so even with others of their own race. My balance: 1) I do not speak Chinese unless everyone involved understands it, 2) Unless it interferes with 1) I will speak Chinese freely if I am spoken to in Chinese. I speak chiefly Chinese at home, and alternate between languages with my friends.

Growing up in Toronto, I've been used to having a pretty large Asian population in my schools. I moved, and found myself a part of a minority; and yet this was the period of time where I became a "fob" as the minority that was present were "more Asian" than the large population before. Then came my switch to university, and I chose to go to is one that has one of the lowest Asian populations of universities within 3 hour drive from my hometown. The difference between myself and the Asian population here was starking, as was the difference between the non-Asian population. I'm going to blame everything on this, and my INTJ-ism to be the reason why I have yet to find people I wouldn't mind hanging out with on a regular basis. The only 'friends' I currently have at the University are those I meet at extra-curricular activities (and I rarely meet them outside this context). Man, there are probably other INTJ loners around here thinking the exact same thing. ;D

Anyway, I didn't realize how much I am still connected with HK until last summer; it was my first visit in the 12 years I've been there. Unlike many of my friends, I was not instantly recognized as a foreigner; I had surprising similarity with everyone else. And yet, I could not completely relate to them. It was an interesting experience.

My present dilemma? I hate that I'm not fluent in reading/writing Chinese. Maybe after I graduate, I plan to work in HK for a year or so and take some courses. There are such treasures in Chinese written language that it is truly a pity if I don't pursue it.

[Epicurus]

I don't feel that my etnicity affects me as a person in any way, I really don't care about those things and I find it natural to see people as induviduals, but sure its easier to feel secure in some ways when you feel that you got the flock ''backing you up'' but thats about it.

[vulcan]

I'm white, so of course I feel superior.

But seriously, I have no identity. I'm fucking white. I don't have any white holidays or white parades. I don't think about ethnicity and hate those who obsess over it.

[Rei]

I don't feel that my etnicity affects me as a person in any way, I really don't care about those things and I find it natural to see people as induviduals, but sure its easier to feel secure in some ways when you feel that you got the flock ''backing you up'' but thats about it.
Well being Canadian and "multicultural" and all, I always start with that in mind. But when it comes down to it, there [i]are[/] some differences that keeps a veil between different cultures. Of course I've found it's easier to get past that when talking to INTJ's. So I guess essentially personality overrules ethnicity.

I'm white, so of course I feel superior.

But seriously, I have no identity. I'm fucking white. I don't have any white holidays or white parades. I don't think about ethnicity and hate those who obsess over it.

You're just jealous we have an identity [smiley=wiseguy.gif] *points*
lol, jokes

But, white people have backgrounds. I mean, the whole European continent is pretty much all related anyway, but still...

[wolf]

Makes me feel inferior and discriminated-against. Take the top 6 most common ethnicities in Canada, remove French and "Canadian", and you have me (I only have the top three most popular "white" types in the US... I'm all-European, which is fairly rare in this country (a large percentage of "white" people are Hispanics, Middle-Easternerners, North-Africans, Asians, or even East-Indians, and the vast majority are at least mixed with something).).

Culturally, however, I'm a Southern Californian with heavy Hispanic and Asian influences.


I don't care much, but other people definitely seem to hate obvious straight-up European white people.


The main difference is that I know how to make some ethnic foods from the countries of my ancestors. I also find it funny to pick on the descendants of peasants, so I sometimes do this for entertainment.

[mind_wander]

Full-blooded Chinese Canadian, born in Hong Kong, raised in Canada.
Chinese values, British conditioning, topped with Canadian ideals - is probably the closest I can get to explaining my cultural identity. *I'd be in a serious identity crisis if I chose to care about identifying with one specific group.

I've been through a stage of pretty much every type of Asian stereotype there is. *(that sentence didn't turn out well, but I can't really think of how else to say this)
I've been whitewashed (but not throughly)
I've been obsessed with Japanese pop-media - this was obviously just a phase but I have acquired some knowledge of the Japanese language and culture as a result... and no, not just by watching anime
I've been a fob (for those who don't know what this means, Fresh Off Boat, I got in touch with my HK origin and familiarized myself with some of the politics going on in China etc.)

But in the end I'm essentially a pretty good balance between the first and the last.

When I look at cultural conflicts, I don't have much of a bias. *I identify with Asians, but I don't always agree with the things they do to the Canadian society. *Namely how some of them come here simply to procreate and reap the benefits of the Canadian government, meanwhile refusing to blend into the society. *Let me just use the example of language: people who have lived in America for several years and still cannot speak English with proficiency annoy me. *On the other hand, I also dislike those who cut out their ethnicity all together. *Those who cannot even speak their mother language, or know how, but refuse to do so even with others of their own race. *My balance: 1) I do not speak Chinese unless everyone involved understands it, 2) Unless it interferes with 1) I will speak Chinese freely if I am spoken to in Chinese. *I speak chiefly Chinese at home, and alternate between languages with my friends.

Growing up in Toronto, I've been used to having a pretty large Asian population in my schools. *I moved, and found myself a part of a minority; and yet this was the period of time where I became a "fob" as the minority that was present were "more Asian" than the large population before. *Then came my switch to university, and I chose to go to is one that has one of the lowest Asian populations of universities within 3 hour drive from my hometown. *The difference between myself and the Asian population here was starking, as was the difference between the non-Asian population. *I'm going to blame everything on this, and my INTJ-ism to be the reason why I have yet to find people I wouldn't mind hanging out with on a regular basis. *The only 'friends' I currently have at the University are those I meet at extra-curricular activities (and I rarely meet them outside this context). *Man, there are probably other INTJ loners around here thinking the exact same thing. *;D

Anyway, I didn't realize how much I am still connected with HK until last summer; it was my first visit in the 12 years I've been there. *Unlike many of my friends, I was not instantly recognized as a foreigner; I had surprising similarity with everyone else. *And yet, I could not completely relate to them. *It was an interesting experience.

My present dilemma? *I hate that I'm not fluent in reading/writing Chinese. *Maybe after I graduate, I plan to work in HK for a year or so and take some courses. *There are such treasures in Chinese written language that it is truly a pity if I don't pursue it.

I was actually agreeing with what you mean. Yeah, the INTJ does make me stand out and be very different than other Asians. Being from the US, I've got compliments from other Asians, wow you can speak Chinese fluently, the majority of ABC[Asian-Born Chinese] can't speak it. But you can, for me its natural. As for you mentioning the equal balance, my guess your referring to the equal East and West cultural balance. This is one of the hardest challenges to master, but INTJ help reinforce that from Asian identity crisis[There is such thing as this and its not very pretty too]. When speaking to the Asian crowd, turn on the Eastern cap on. If there is a Western crowd, then use the Western cap on.

I'm going to blame everything on this, and my INTJ-ism to be the reason why I have yet to find people I wouldn't mind hanging out with on a regular basis. The only 'friends' I currently have at the University are those I meet at extra-curricular activities (and I rarely meet them outside this context). Man, there are probably other INTJ loners around here thinking the exact same thing. ;D
by Rei

This I totally agreed on, but its nice to see that in my class there are transfer students willing to talk with me. Don't feel so isolated, actually more like transfer students only talked to transfer students. As the traditional students talk to other traditional students, like a 50/50 split. Its nice to be accepted from time to time, if its just a question on whats happening in class or working with me in a team project.

As for me, have not meet my relatives from my mom side of the family for about 12 years now; same as you. Most of them cared about me and never mind me visiting them. Like you said, maybe after graduating from college would later learn how to write Chinese and speak. That was actually what I am planning to do after getting a MBA.

In the End, in comparing and contrasting, we are not so different after all, lol.

[mind_wander]

I'm white, so of course I feel superior.

But seriously, I have no identity. I'm fucking white. I don't have any white holidays or white parades. I don't think about ethnicity and hate those who obsess over it.
Sad to say this, lol. Umm, in this day in age, its more like multi-cultural and white is not necessarily the dominant superior race. There is so many colors, shapes, sizes, etc. Actually, Asians is one of the highest populated race like give or take 1.4-1.6 billion, as the top second populated 1 billion in India. Does that mean, we can't be friends? We can, why the personality type help break that barrier. But, the majority of Asians do flock with Causians. Rwyatt365, don't worry I didn't forget about you too. I am opened to all with some exceptions.

Here check it out:To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. It should not be surprising, I did some of my research last semester. Compared to last semester and the current one, this one was a piece of cake.

[vulcan]

Wow mind_wander, brush up on your sarcasm.

[mind_wander]

I don't use scarcasm all that much, as you can see. If I tend to use it, then would be intentially.

[Rei]

I'm white, so of course I feel superior.

But seriously, I have no identity. I'm fucking white. I don't have any white holidays or white parades. I don't think about ethnicity and hate those who obsess over it.

Wow mind_wander, brush up on your sarcasm.

*in drone voice*
Indeed...
Most of us here are not shit heads, so one should consider all dumb comments such as the above stated sarcasm.
On the other hand, one may consider the use of emoti-cons to convey sarcasm as some people actually take things seriously.
*turns off drone voice*

Well at least that's what I do.

[mind_wander]

lol, seems I am in a heading toward the learning sarcasm 101 corner.

[Entropy]

Not too much, really. I'm mixed. I grew up with parents of two different ethnicities in a very ethnically diverse city. So I suppose all-in-all it's made me more open minded in regards to race.
I claim no loyalty to any ethnic cultures and am not expected to.

[rwyatt365]

Not too much, really. I'm mixed. I grew up with parents of two different ethnicities in a very ethnically diverse city. So I suppose all-in-all it's made me more open minded in regards to race.
I claim no loyalty to any ethnic cultures and am not expected to.
That's great! Being open-minded is a rarity these days.

Where I live is very different, the metro area is very diverse but highly polarized. By that I mean that each ethnic group is separated into distinct locations. The Black population in the inner-city, the Caucasian population in the ring suburbs, the Arabic, Hispanic and Asian populations in distinct pockets. There is very little inter-mixing and a high level of distrust and dissention between these populations. Finding a mixed couple here is an oddity and there is a high level of intolerance for that here.

I escaped that "us vs them" mentality by nature and by upbringing. By nature I see no rationale for bigotry and racism, if I like/dislike someone it's because of how that person treats me, not because of how they look. In fact, I am fascinated by the differences between people within and outside of my own particular group.

By upbringing I grew up around whites, went to grade school in a mixed school and high school at a "magnet school" that attracted students from all over the city. By the time I went to college I was socialized to a mixed community, so I had no prejudicial tendencies.

[mind_wander]

Thanx, for bringing that up on multi-cultural mix. My old friend who is an ENTJ is a mixture of Monogolid, Spainard, Thai, and small percentage of Native American. This is very conflicting as a mixture blend, because all 4 have in common is alot of racism. I told him, as a mind of comfort, you got one of the rariest gift. What is that? You got the gift to jump into any race anywhere, anytime, without having to follow into only one ethnicity. He was happy to know that I said that, "we comforting to give the straight forward answer he is deserves of comfortability to jump into any category without restrictions."

Same goes for me, I am Asian, but see the big picture here is both sides Taiwan/China, does clash heads. This is still a big problem, what make me different is I'm from the US. So by having these 3 mixtures it creates a centered-balance; the grey zone criteria; yeah I am really odd and rare for that. I think Rei is in the same category, after reading her post about this issue. Alot of it has to do with finding self-identity.

[deicruxified]

How does your ethnic identity affect you? Is it something that matters to you or shapes your views/behavior?



(sorry for the awkward thread start, the first eight posts are split from a thread that has nothing to do with the original topic and needed a good home)
i find myself an alien in my country's culture... there have been a lot of customs and traditions i can't seem to understand and find any sensical significance in my personal life (i.e. long christmas celebrations... massive family reunions meaning, meeting relatives up to the 4th degree or as distant...). but that doesn't mean i don't respect... i participate for formality's sake. before when i don't have job yet, my esfj mom would throw words like this, "if you don't join the family reunion i'll cut your allowance!"... of course, practicality sinks in as well. there was even a superstitious belief here that when you cut your fingernails at night and every tuesday and friday, you parents will die. i told my mom it's nonsense so being the naive inductivist that i am, one tuesday night, with the nailcutter on my right hand ready to cut my fingernails, i told my mom, "let's see if you'll die in 7 days" so i cut my fingernails in front of my mom and she shrieked. 5 years later my mom's still alive and ranting the same retort again everytime i cut my nails at night or every tuesday and thursday... lol

[mind_wander]

I am not sure, which country you are from. When it comes to superstitious, there is so many endless Asian superstitions too list. What your mom says, is nothing compared what Asian superstitions got.

[thegnat]

I'm white, so of course I feel superior.

But seriously, I have no identity. I'm fucking white. I don't have any white holidays or white parades. I don't think about ethnicity and hate those who obsess over it.

Wow mind_wander, brush up on your sarcasm.

*in drone voice*
Indeed...
Most of us here are not shit heads, so one should consider all dumb comments such as the above stated sarcasm.
On the other hand, one may consider the use of emoti-cons to convey sarcasm as some people actually take things seriously.
*turns off drone voice*

Well at least that's what I do.

But the use of emoticons takes all the fun out of being sarcastic! You've gotta say it with a straight face for the greatest effect.

You know with me, I've had huge issues with my ethnic identity of Caucasian. People don't understand the Cauc means I'm not from Asia. They see Caucasian and assume I'm from Asia....

[mind_wander]

Your lucky its not spelled, "Cock Asian", instead of the correct spelling Caucasian. Most people can only identify the Asian part. No need to worry, most people think being Caucasian is the best. I'd know, thats what I heard in my previous classes.

[deicruxified]

I am not sure, which country you are from. When it comes to superstitious, there is so many endless Asian superstitions too list. What your mom says, is nothing compared what Asian superstitions got.
oh yeah definitely like when you cut a tree in your own backyard you still have to dig for the roots because it will cause children to be sickly...

another feng shui stuff: a tree which blossoms white flowers should be cut if it's flowers fall on the root of your house coz family members will die a tragic death... *sigh* i have always wanted that kind of home.

[mind_wander]

It was great chatting with you. What about the feng shui, do not lived on at a home where the line is pointing to a dead end street? The endless years of bad luck.

[Rei]

But the use of emoticons takes all the fun out of being sarcastic! You've gotta say it with a straight face for the greatest effect.

You know with me, I've had huge issues with my ethnic identity of Caucasian. People don't understand the Cauc means I'm not from Asia. They see Caucasian and assume I'm from Asia....
That's true, the whole point of sarcasm is that people don't really know if you're being serious or sarcastic ;D

Anyways... O_______o that's weird. I've never heard of people having trouble with the term Caucasian before.

[rwyatt365]

But the use of emoticons takes all the fun out of being sarcastic! *You've gotta say it with a straight face for the greatest effect.

You know with me, I've had huge issues with my ethnic identity of Caucasian. *People don't understand the Cauc means I'm not from Asia. They see Caucasian and assume I'm from Asia....
That's true, the whole point of sarcasm is that people don't really know if you're being serious or sarcastic *;D

Anyways... O_______o that's weird. *I've never heard of people having trouble with the term Caucasian before.
Yeah, that's really weird! I've never heard of that kind of confusion before.

[thegnat]

But the use of emoticons takes all the fun out of being sarcastic! You've gotta say it with a straight face for the greatest effect.

You know with me, I've had huge issues with my ethnic identity of Caucasian. People don't understand the Cauc means I'm not from Asia. They see Caucasian and assume I'm from Asia....
That's true, the whole point of sarcasm is that people don't really know if you're being serious or sarcastic ;D

Anyways... O_______o that's weird. I've never heard of people having trouble with the term Caucasian before.
Yeah, that's really weird! I've never heard of that kind of confusion before.

That was totally sarcastic ;)

[Tsuru]

How does your ethnic identity affect you? Is it something that matters to you or shapes your views/behavior?




(sorry for the awkward thread start, the first eight posts are split from a thread that has nothing to do with the original topic and needed a good home)

It doesn't really. I've never understood putting any significance towards what your skin pigment is and what random traditions your great grandparents had. Collectivism isn't too appealing. ;\

[Rei]

But the use of emoticons takes all the fun out of being sarcastic! You've gotta say it with a straight face for the greatest effect.

You know with me, I've had huge issues with my ethnic identity of Caucasian. People don't understand the Cauc means I'm not from Asia. They see Caucasian and assume I'm from Asia....
That's true, the whole point of sarcasm is that people don't really know if you're being serious or sarcastic ;D

Anyways... O_______o that's weird. I've never heard of people having trouble with the term Caucasian before.
Yeah, that's really weird! I've never heard of that kind of confusion before.

That was totally sarcastic ;)
LOL!
I totally missed that. :P
It was so stupid that it's possible... ;D

[Bossy Mom]

My ethnic identity is a fact, not a virtue (after all, Adolf Hitler and Stalin were white guys). I'm white and was raised on a farm in the Midwest (so I have Midwest values). I speak Spanish and German because I love all kinds of languages. I love English literature and English history. I like to create 1930's reproduction quilts. I'm proud that my ancestors fought with George Washington and that I am related to John Adams and Davy Crockett. I love people who have integrity and honor, no matter what their color is, and I am very happy to have them as friends. My identity has to do with values and virtues, not skin pigmentation.

[ShaiGar]

I guess that being an Australian of Celtic descent in The Northern Territory, Australia cripples my ability to defend myself because the drunk Aboriginals that infest this* town get violent and attack random people on public transport, just walking around, or trying to eat in cafes. They can start shit because they do not own property or have a permanent location. Whereas I have a very nice house and cannot just "go bush" to miss a court date on a charge of assault.

My Ancestors include Thomas 'Clancy' MacNamara, made famous in a poem by his friend A.B. Patterson, and the architect who designed St Marys Cathedral in Sydney. On my fathers side was Edmund Reeves Whereat, and Isaac Sydney Whereat who were not part of the team who helped make australia a federation, but played very substantial roles in it. Going back further, they were convicts on the ships and immigrants after the 1920's troubles in Ireland.

I suppose knowing that helps me to look in where australia is with utter contempt and a great amount of scorn. When "fellow australians" say if you dont like it why dont you fsck off? I can smirk in my knowledge that my family helped build the nation, theirs just arrived.




Okay I'd better Qualify what I said so you don't think I am some ignorant Racist Hick. I am not Ignorant nor am I a Hick...
I do not have a problem with any person due to their race, it is their behaviour that I base my decisions on. My views on the aboriginal community up here are shared by just about everybody, African Immigrants, Asian Immigrants, European Backpackers, South American Backpackers, Asian Backpackers...
The comment about "theirs just arrived" wasn't to say that their status as australians is lesser due to my family being here longer, their status is, i believe, lesser because i am naturally greater.

[Weirdology]

Growing up a racial minority in my neighborhood and school, it affected me even though I didn't want it to. Though I wasn't aware that I didn't want it at the time. I just accepted whatever people told me. For the past few years I've been going through the process of ignoring those opinions, getting myself out of that mind set, seeing my race and culture for what it is, and finally connecting with it.

So far it seems I'm a bit different than most people here on this aspect. I'm very into a few different cultures from the continent which my ancestors resided, and I feel more connected with those who have the same ancestors and/or cultural interest. Race and especially culture is important to me and affects my life. Except now I want it to instead of being forced to. It will no matter what, so I might as well view it positively, right?

I'd like to note that while race is important to me I don't judge, discriminate, or even care about skin pigment. Even though there's a general shade for each race, people of all races have a variety of shades from light to dark. The notion that people who care about race do so because of skin color is stupid and getting old.

[AntimonyLegault]

Being out-of-place (ethnically) I view as a good thing, personally it helps me to do things without specific bias; at the same time it's an alienation.

[Bossy Mom]

I guess that being an Australian of Celtic descent in The Northern Territory, Australia cripples my ability to defend myself because the drunk Aboriginals that infest this* town get violent and attack random people on public transport, just walking around, or trying to eat in cafes. They can start shit because they do not own property or have a permanent location. Whereas I have a very nice house and cannot just "go bush" to miss a court date on a charge of assault.

My Ancestors include Thomas 'Clancy' MacNamara, made famous in a poem by his friend A.B. Patterson, and the architect who designed St Marys Cathedral in Sydney. On my fathers side was Edmund Reeves Whereat, and Isaac Sydney Whereat who were not part of the team who helped make australia a federation, but played very substantial roles in it. Going back further, they were convicts on the ships and immigrants after the 1920's troubles in Ireland.

I suppose knowing that helps me to look in where australia is with utter contempt and a great amount of scorn. When "fellow australians" say if you dont like it why dont you fsck off? I can smirk in my knowledge that my family helped build the nation, theirs just arrived.




Okay I'd better Qualify what I said so you don't think I am some ignorant Racist Hick. I am not Ignorant nor am I a Hick...
I do not have a problem with any person due to their race, it is their behaviour that I base my decisions on. My views on the aboriginal community up here are shared by just about everybody, African Immigrants, Asian Immigrants, European Backpackers, South American Backpackers, Asian Backpackers...
The comment about "theirs just arrived" wasn't to say that their status as australians is lesser due to my family being here longer, their status is, i believe, lesser because i am naturally greater.

I too am a Celtic descendant who lives in California and I have had to call the police about the illegal aliens who bother my daughter when she walks home from school. The police have told me there is nothing I can do. The city attorney will not prosecute and if they call the border police the ACLU is there to defend them. It is so frustrating.

Some of my daughter's high school classmates "hate" white people and call her Paris Hilton because she is well groomed and has some class. We are trying to get her into another high school where she isn't taunted.

You are brave to be truthful about your situation. So many people cower when confronted by such a large number of nothing but bullies.

My daughter and I have discussed moving to Australia if Hillary Clinton wins, but maybe we won't have a better situation.

[ShaiGar]

I guess that being an Australian of Celtic descent in The Northern Territory, Australia cripples my ability to defend myself because the drunk Aboriginals that infest this* town get violent and attack random people on public transport, just walking around, or trying to eat in cafes. They can start shit because they do not own property or have a permanent location. Whereas I have a very nice house and cannot just "go bush" to miss a court date on a charge of assault.

My Ancestors include Thomas 'Clancy' MacNamara, made famous in a poem by his friend A.B. Patterson, and the architect who designed St Marys Cathedral in Sydney. On my fathers side was Edmund Reeves Whereat, and Isaac Sydney Whereat who were not part of the team who helped make australia a federation, but played very substantial roles in it. Going back further, they were convicts on the ships and immigrants after the 1920's troubles in Ireland.

I suppose knowing that helps me to look in where australia is with utter contempt and a great amount of scorn. When "fellow australians" say if you dont like it why dont you fsck off? I can smirk in my knowledge that my family helped build the nation, theirs just arrived.




Okay I'd better Qualify what I said so you don't think I am some ignorant Racist Hick. I am not Ignorant nor am I a Hick...
I do not have a problem with any person due to their race, it is their behaviour that I base my decisions on. My views on the aboriginal community up here are shared by just about everybody, African Immigrants, Asian Immigrants, European Backpackers, South American Backpackers, Asian Backpackers...
The comment about "theirs just arrived" wasn't to say that their status as australians is lesser due to my family being here longer, their status is, i believe, lesser because i am naturally greater.

I too am a Celtic descendant who lives in California and I have had to call the police about the illegal aliens who bother my daughter when she walks home from school. The police have told me there is nothing I can do. The city attorney will not prosecute and if they call the border police the ACLU is there to defend them. It is so frustrating.

Some of my daughter's high school classmates "hate" white people and call her Paris Hilton because she is well groomed and has some class. We are trying to get her into another high school where she isn't taunted.

You are brave to be truthful about your situation. So many people cower when confronted by such a large number of nothing but bullies.

My daughter and I have discussed moving to Australia if Hillary Clinton wins, but maybe we won't have a better situation.

You will have a better situation, The east coast is the place to live, Queensland. But if you want technical equivalence of the US, go to Europe, France, Scandanvia, Germany.

[rwyatt365]

I'd like to note that while race is important to me I don't judge, discriminate, or even care about skin pigment. Even though there's a general shade for each race, people of all races have a variety of shades from light to dark. The notion that people who care about race do so because of skin color is stupid and getting old.
...and that is something that cracks me up about "my peeps" (black Americans). Our skin color varies from the whitest white, to the darkest brown with every shade in between. Sometimes it's hard to keep from laughing when the light-skinned "black" talks about discrimination and racial prejudice (especially when I know for a fact that the person has been "passing" all along, and just recently "turned black").

It's hilarious, and disturbing at the same time.

Color is just an artifact.

[mind_wander]

Lol, you make me laugh just me reading your post. The comment about the light pigment color, Hi all, I am speaking for my homies; oh wait, I can't comment on that my skin looks very pale. I don't want anyone throwing things at me, now. Oh well, homies you're on your own, apparently I don't fit in this crowd.

[quentin]

Growing up in the American South I overthought this question way too much growing up. My family were Southern liberals so I was raised to abhor racism, perhaps a bit too much. I struggled with some guilt issues over things that fundamentally were not my fault but grew out of that stage a long time ago. Other than that, my race/ethnicity doesn't affect me on a day to day basis. Since I'm white and therefore the majority it's not something I have to think about.

[stasis]

Other than that, my race/ethnicity doesn't affect me on a day to day basis. Since I'm white and therefore the majority it's not something I have to think about.
What a luxury.

[rwyatt365]

Since I'm white and therefore the majority it's not something I have to think about.

What a luxury.
What a luxury, indeed!

Quentin, tell me more about the "...I was raised to abhor racism, perhaps a bit too much" part.

[LSB]

This place is something like 99% white so it's not exactly an everyday subject. There are no 'racial identities' or 'white guilt', or whatever. The minorities are all so well integrated regarding language and culture that noone really notices any difference besides looks. (apart from the older generation, they're still a bit like strangers in a strange land)

[mielikki]

I am also Canadian - and completely European/Slav (Austrian and Russian). I am only 2nd generation Canuck, but most of the "traditions" I have were picked up from the various places in the world that we have lived when my father was in the Armed Forces. I have a rather interesting mish-mash of behaviours, jargon and holiday traditions.

Basically, I don't think much about *my* ethnicity, but I am sure going to be interested in yours. I will do my best to understand it, respect it and probably incorporate some of it.

[WavesSootheMe]

My grandparents came to the states from Western Europe when they were very young. My family still upholds a few of the traditions, but it doesn't define us. I live in Southern California. Majorities at my high school, university, job and cities vary and are marginal. I am surrounded by a variety of ethnicities and cultures to the point that I get a sort of "Twilight Zone" feeling if I'm surrounded by only people that look like me. I love trying new foods and dances and activities. I may have been raised one way, but that makes it all the more interesting to explore what else is out there.

[bubbles]

I hardly ever think about that question, but that's probably because my ethnic group is not a minority nor a majority here. I guess it affects me since people from other ethnic groups might have some preconceived stereotypes about me (based on the media?), such as assuming that I am good at math...(don't know where that one come from...), and all those other things typical of Asian college students.

It does affect the way I view the world, since, like someone mentioned before, it makes me feel glad when I see a fellow Asian being portrayed non-stereotypically in the media. Though I would like to think that my ethnic background does not affect me at all since I want to feel individualistic.

[quentin]

What a luxury, indeed!

Quentin, tell me more about the "...I was raised to abhor racism, perhaps a bit too much" part.

Just a bit too sensitive to it. Typical INTJ overthinking an issue.

Well, there's a lot more to it than that, but it would take way too long to explain. I guess you would have to grow up in the South to understand. Being a white Southerner with a conscience can mess with your head.

[danalaina]

Well, there's a lot more to it than that, but it would take way too long to explain. I guess you would have to grow up in the South to understand. Being a white Southerner with a conscience can mess with your head.

it's true. even though it seems to be getting better with each generation, race is still very much an issue there. it's not always spoken about, but it's always there under the surface. as for my own ethnic identity, take "white Southerner," and add "Jewish" to it, and you've got a recipe for a pretty strange childhood. "Texan" adds a whole 'nother level to things. that's a distinct cultural identity unto itself. and "female" just screws it all up. "Jew" is the sore thumb there. for some reason, it's always an issue.

the American South is so homogeneously Christian that reactions to my Judaism would range from "what's that?" to full-on Klan crap. my family and i have come up against some ugliness and a lot of curiosity, but mostly it's ignorance and misinformation. bizarre misinformation. forget the stereotypes...this is crazy sh*t.


a couple of examples:

my brother was working for a little while in Louisiana. one of the guys working under him asked (seriously and with no ill intent) if he could see my brother's horns.

O.o

my sister-in-law (who is non-Jewish and a midwesterner) was working for a newspaper in what i can only describe as a very southern town when first engaged to my brother. when the ladies in her office found out she was going to marry a Jewish man, she was told, "oh no, you can't marry a Jewish man. he'll make you shine his shoes."

O.O


so. for the folks who don't (can't?) grasp the significance of ethnicity...

i can only say that it doesn't seem really important till someone makes a point of deriding it or focusing on it, really. i think that's a small part of why my heritage is so important to me - because i'm not really ever allowed to forget it. i'm not even friggin' religious, but i'm still a Jew. even though my ethnicity isn't apparent on the surface, i've faced prejudice. i can only imagine what it's like for someone who doesn't have that luxury.

[rwyatt365]

so. for the folks who don't (can't?) grasp the significance of ethnicity...

i can only say that it doesn't seem really important till someone makes a point of deriding it or focusing on it, really. i think that's a small part of why my heritage is so important to me - because i'm not really ever allowed to forget it. i'm not even friggin' religious, but i'm still a Jew. even though my ethnicity isn't apparent on the surface, i've faced prejudice. i can only imagine what it's like for someone who doesn't have that luxury.
I couldn't have said it better myself. Good one danalaina.

It's not that I dwell on my ethnicity, I don't think about it at all, unless someone or something MAKES it a "point of interest". Most, if not all, of us here have made some comment about feeling different, being treated as odd, an outcast from the rest of the world. And that's because we don't fit in – our thought patterns, our motivations, our reactions to things just don't jibe with what other's do. But remember, that's all stuff that's on "the inside", on the outside you're pretty much just like everyone else (despite personal preferences in dress).

What if there was something on "the outside" that positively and irrevocably identified you as "different". A mark, a physical characteristic that you couldn't change that gave people the unmistakable indication that you were not like them. Then imagine that your "difference" was historically, and socially tainted – undesirable in some way, even regarded as dangerous by some. That's why some people either cling tenaciously to, or reject vehemently, their ethnicity. Because they are "marked", and the mark can't be removed.

When all people can be comfortable in their skin (and eyes, and noses, and religions) then ethnicity will be of no import

[brewmaster]

Being half Slovak and half Italian, I never thought that my ethnicity would ever affect me. Then I was at a party with my father in law and some jackasses were saying some really really degrading things about Italians, I don't remember specifics, but just that it was the most ignorant BS I have ever heard. I was fairly intoxicated, and unfortunately I got extremely angry, and so I left before I did anything stupid. I remember my father in law looking at me sideways as this was going on because I had a huge grin on my face. Thats the look right before somebody (not me) dies.

My father, the Slovak, told me a story about him doing business with some Germans one time. Apparently, despite the fact that one specific German was the same age as my father (born in 1946), he was extremely racist to all Slavic people, and had a very hard time with my Pop. My Pop pretty much gave him the cold shoulder right back.

Then theres the other interesting storty. My sister is an educator, very interested in social behaviors. When she was in college a klan rally was to be held. [disclaimer]She wanted to see what kind of idiocy these people were spouting, she in no way wanted anything to do with them, it was just intellectual curiosity[disclaimer] Because of her being half Italian as well, and through the shuffle of the genes, she ended up being a little darker than I. The klan member allowing people through wasn't going to let her in because she wasn't 'white.' She pretty much said f--- you and showed him her ID which was a Slovak name, and he let her in. Ridiculous.

Interesting shit, considering what year it is, eh?

[BlackHawk]

"Causians"? Isn't it "Caucasians"?
Look! We share the suffix -asian! (except you guys ignore prefixes and just capitalize the a!)

I consider myself tolerant of all other ethnicities. I have one friend from Trinindad, a Japanese friend, a Chinese friend, a Korean firend, and others.
I find that my Asian friends tend to be far more racist than any of my Caucasian friends. The Asians are always commenting on their superior brainpower, skill at sports, etc. (I'm still top of my class, though!)

[The Many]

This is actually a bit of a pet peeve of mine...

I'm white, and I honestly don't care about these things at all. I mean, how shallow can you possibly get? In 2007 there are simply way more important things than these to think about, the fact that people even sometimes seem to care is only making it even more stupid... Are there no more important issues to be discussing than skin colour? The same thing goes for nationalities and nationalism/patriotism too, by the way. I'm Swedish, but I don't have much in common with most anyone here (I guess this goes for what I would say in other countries too, though). I adopt the ideas I find useful, regardless of their origin, and I don't care for traditions at all.

[quentin]

The nomenclature "Caucasian" is idiotic. I'm sure that some of you here are aware of its etymology, but for those of you who aren't, I'll explain briefly. A 19th century archeologist dug up what he considered the "most perfectly formed" skulls in the Caucasus mountain region. Since these were the most beautiful skulls he had ever seen, he concluded that the white race descended from the stone age inhabitants of the Caucasus mountains. As anyone with half a brain can tell, of course this was all idiotic, unproven, psuedo-scientific balderdash.

Since as far as I'm aware, no one in my family tree descended from anywhere near the Caucasus mountain region, calling me a Caucasian is insultingly inaccurate and I refuse to classify myself as one.

[Lucid]

I'd say that my personal ethnic identity (Afro-American) only affects me when it is thrust in my face by others (i.e. circumstances). I tend not to think about this aspect of my existence on a day-to-day basis, and operate (what I think is) seamlessly within the majority population and other ethnic groups as well. For the most part, if no one has a problem with me, then I don’t have a problem with them. And I never bring race or ethnicity into any interactions that I have, unless specifically asked to do so.

I wholeheartedly agree with this, although I am of Scottish and Danish extraction (I was going to say Caucasian, but in deference to the post above I decided against it).

My ethnicity does affect who I am because, to an extent, it affects how people treat me. And despite being a member of the so-called majority, the way people treat me because of my physical appearance is not always positive. I'm sure this is true for everyone.

I take a certain amount of academic interest in the cultures my ancestors are from, and often wonder at the extent to which my physical appearance is an adaptation to colder environments... but other than that, it's just not something I think about and it's not a very large part of my identity.

[Astra]

I'm English, I live in England, all my ancestors as far back as anyone knows were English and lived in England (well, apart from the ones who lived in India, helping maintain the British Empire...). Am I really the only one here who's indigenous to where they live?

[Caramel]

I'm Dutch, I live in Holland, all my ancestors have lived in Holland and Germany....my genetic heritage is a bit boring guys, sorry.

[Danisty]

I'm white and I live in Savannah, Georgia where that's actually a minority. Despite a lot of race issues in the south, I think most of the people you would meet from Savannah really don't care much about race at all. The racism that does exist in this city goes in both directions. I've been subjected to it myself, actually.

Oh and for those who can't fathom blacks being the majority, my source is the 2000 census:

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[WavesSootheMe]

...and often wonder at the extent to which my physical appearance is an adaptation to colder environments...

Living in a beach town, I wonder this all the time! I burn or freckle, but barely tan. Two of my aunts and my grandmother have had skin cancer. We don't seem like we're built well for the western states. Thankfully there are things such as sunblock :). My grandparents are from cold European countries and I grew up in CO. My cousins in Chicago are baffled. They think that because I live in California I should be tan. My two youngest siblings spent a good portion of their childhood here in California. They are less freckled and actually tan much better than me. I think there's a number of factors at play and that we can adapt, but I do like to think about different features and how they're best suited for different environments.

[Jgib5328]

I actually don't have a real ethnicity. I am really multiracial; 3/8 African-American, 1/8 Native American, 1/8 Italian, 1/8 British, 1/8 French-Canadian, and 1/8 Polish. I think it does factor into my personality. Since I am so many different things, I came to the conclusion that I am my own being and am my own unique race. I think it goes a long with my INTJ personality because I am both rare and special. I kinda like being this way. I think it also goes along with the whole loner thing since I share no racial camaraderies. So I can kinda look at the world as an outsider since I don't really belong with any racial group, however I do associate more with whites so I hang out with them often.

[anul]

I wish I had ethnicity all the time. 1/4 Swedish, 1/4 German, 1/32 Native American (WHITE MAN TAKE MY LAND!), and 15/32 Irish/Scottish/English/???. I'm part of the third generation born in America. I don't have any ethnic traditions, aside from loving soda crackers. My family is filled with stupid white people, which makes me passively hate white people.

[rwyatt365]

I'm white and I live in Savannah, Georgia where that's actually a minority. Despite a lot of race issues in the south, I think most of the people you would meet from Savannah really don't care much about race at all. The racism that does exist in this city goes in both directions. I've been subjected to it myself, actually.

Oh and for those who can't fathom blacks being the majority, my source is the 2000 census:

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I can fathom it easily, I live in Detroit which is majority Black (but is surrounded by suburbs that are majority white). Detroit is one of the most racially polarized cities in the US and I hate living here, it's depressing. :(

[Danisty]

I can fathom it easily, I live in Detroit which is majority Black (but is surrounded by suburbs that are majority white). Detroit is one of the most racially polarized cities in the US and I hate living here, it's depressing. :(Then you probably actually know how many times I've been told that it's impossible for whites to be a racial minority. I'm just used to supporting this claim with evidence now because people actually think I'm full of it. I've never been to Detroit (other than the airport), but I've heard it's pretty rough.

[Booko]

Then you probably actually know how many times I've been told that it's impossible for whites to be a racial minority. I'm just used to supporting this claim with evidence now because people actually think I'm full of it. I've never been to Detroit (other than the airport), but I've heard it's pretty rough.

It depends on where you are. My husband's family is in Detroit. He grew up in town and moved to the burbs. His family hated the burbs. His brothers live in West Bloomfield and Hamtramck respectively. They're very different neighborhoods.

I'd still agree with MLK and say that Chicago is worse. But even there -- it depends on where you are. And in Central Michigan if a white person has black friends you should expect the neighbors to show up on your doorstep to escort "those people" out of town.

I live in Atlanta (intown) and things are certainly racially polarized here too, despite the City Fathers and Muthas attempts to paint it as "The City Too Busy to Hate." The racism just takes different forms is all.

One of the oddities about Atlanta is that despite the many different immigrants we have coming in here to stay, "racial" issues are still seen as totally black/white. That puts the Asians and Indians at a huge disadvantage when it comes time to look at issues of diversity, because it's like they don't count and they aren't there. I know a newscaster who left for California because he couldn't make any headway here. He was Asian and he didn't count when it came time to have a "racially balanced" news team.

I'll be glad when we just all manage to interbreed enough that no one gives a rat's behind any more. Not that I expect to live to see that day, but even so it's improved noticably just in my short lifetime.

Oh, and my "ethnic identity" is Dutch and French-Canadian. The English and Irish and Danes are white too, but I have to work at fitting in with their "ethnicities."

[rwyatt365]

Then you probably actually know how many times I've been told that it's impossible for whites to be a racial minority. I'm just used to supporting this claim with evidence now because people actually think I'm full of it. I've never been to Detroit (other than the airport), but I've heard it's pretty rough.
Yes, and I think it's hilarious. People seem to think that the US is homogenous which is definitely not the case. Some places in Detroit you can leave your door unlocked at night and not have to worry about it, in others...let's just say you might want to check the clip in your assault rifle before you enter.
It depends on where you are. My husband's family is in Detroit. He grew up in town and moved to the burbs. His family hated the burbs. His brothers live in West Bloomfield and Hamtramck respectively. They're very different neighborhoods.
...spectacularly different.

I work in Dearborn (which has a very large Middle Eastern community - a far cry from the 60's when Dearborn was "lilly white" and defiantly proud of it), travel through Mexicantown (which has grown a large Hispanic/Latino community), past the University District (students of all sorts of ethnicities), the Near East Side (very poor Blacks), and Hamtramck (lots of Middle Eastern but was historically working-class Polish), to the Far East Side (the traditional 'Hood) - which is about 2 miles from Grosse Pointe (where Detroit's "old money" is/was - mansions on the lake and the whole nine yards).

In one trip to or from work I can move through several cultures and be disrespected and potentially assaulted in them all (including the Blacks)!
I'd still agree with MLK and say that Chicago is worse. But even there -- it depends on where you are. And in Central Michigan if a white person has black friends you should expect the neighbors to show up on your doorstep to escort "those people" out of town.
One makes sure one's gas tank is full before leaving the boundaries of Wayne County (where Detroit is). ;)
I live in Atlanta (intown) and things are certainly racially polarized here too, despite the City Fathers and Muthas attempts to paint it as "The City Too Busy to Hate." The racism just takes different forms is all.

One of the oddities about Atlanta is that despite the many different immigrants we have coming in here to stay, "racial" issues are still seen as totally black/white. That puts the Asians and Indians at a huge disadvantage when it comes time to look at issues of diversity, because it's like they don't count and they aren't there. I know a newscaster who left for California because he couldn't make any headway here. He was Asian and he didn't count when it came time to have a "racially balanced" news team.
Yeah, when it comes to racism black/white trumps 'em all.
I'll be glad when we just all manage to interbreed enough that no one gives a rat's behind any more. Not that I expect to live to see that day, but even so it's improved noticably just in my short lifetime.
Not that I'm being cynical or anything but - good luck with that! :undecided:

[Danisty]

One of the oddities about Atlanta is that despite the many different immigrants we have coming in here to stay, "racial" issues are still seen as totally black/white. That puts the Asians and Indians at a huge disadvantage when it comes time to look at issues of diversity, because it's like they don't count and they aren't there. I know a newscaster who left for California because he couldn't make any headway here. He was Asian and he didn't count when it came time to have a "racially balanced" news team.I don't think that's peculiar to Atlanta, but it might be manifesting differently there. In Savannah, racism is a totally black/white issue but that's because everyone just lumps all other races in with white. :rolleyes:

...spectacularly different.I know exactly what this is like. Savannah paints itself as very charming, but you can go from a highly populated tourist spot to the dangerous slums in just two blocks and it's not so easy to just turn around because downtown streets are mostly one-way. Unless you know the city well, I wouldn't advice going downtown after dark and there are definitely places I wouldn't advise going to at all.

[Lucid]

I'll be glad when we just all manage to interbreed enough that no one gives a rat's behind any more. Not that I expect to live to see that day, but even so it's improved noticably just in my short lifetime.

Actually, I think it will be kind of a shame if all humans end up looking the same. It'd be better if we could just get past the racism bit and manage to hang on to our physical diversity.

The English and Irish and Danes are white too, but I have to work at fitting in with their "ethnicities."

I don't understand this statement. Could you elaborate a little?