Equality in Discrimination

[Garcian Smith]

I was browsing the Kotaku site, and found this (http://kotaku.com/gaming/ban-this-filth/racist-paintjobs-slip-through-forza-2-moderation-274969.php), and - after posting my opinion - thought this would be a good debate.

My topic is: Is there such a thing as equality in discrimination?

Racism, sexism and all the other '-isms' are, rather obviously, deplorable - but is it possible that that society and the media view these -isms as the sole sin of, well, white men? It's a techy subject. As a white man, I have never been the target of, nor the supporter for racism. But across the British media, I cannot help but notice that a mass quantity of racist accusations are targetted towards white people. I suppose it is a similar situation to the apparant African American bias that the United States shows towards criminals (as highlighted in Michael Moore's "Bowling For Columbine" - though that is debatable also).

Basically, I put it to the forums that - in this current social state, particularly the West - these '-isms' are inherently biased against the obvious majority of white persons.

Of course, I speak from my own experiences and opinions. I have never been taunted for being a man, straight or white. If being proud of being white (not counting the above "Forza 2" example) different to being proud of being black? As far as I see it, being proud of 'whiteness' is seen as racist. Is it?

So, what do you think? Are there any other avenues that I have failed to look at? Do you disagree completely? Do you think I am racist for being proud of being white? Have you experienced racism/sexism/agesim etectera?

NOTE: Please keep this topic clean, and absent of discriminatory language (unless, of course, it is in an academic sense), simple name calling and I will request the thread to be locked.

[bluseychris]

Basically, due to years of imperialism and oppression to other races, it's become acceptable to be racist to white people to a point.

[Atomic Waffle]

Yeah... The Brits really ****ed everyone over...

Of course, if it were not for them, the modern world wouldn't exist as it did today. But doubly so, the Native peoples of the world wouldn't have had their women raped, and their land defiled.

[Kester]

Being a British White Male in the age group of 20-29, I am one of the most persecuted groups in the UK. That is fact.

While I may not get racist comments or other such acts towards me, so many of my rights are removed, as well as with so many more white, British people in England.
I am not allowed to fly an English flag - it may offend foreigners that live in England.
I cannot speak about a person of different coloured skin - It could be seen as racist.
I cannot dislike a person of another ethnic background - Regardless of reason it is seen as racist.
I am less likely to get a job if I am identical to another applicant, because they are of an ethnic minority - Positive discrimination (basically companies have to employ so many %age of different ethnic backgrounds to make them an equal opportunity employer).
Christmas decorations are no longer called Christmas decorations, they are holiday decorations - It may offend people of different religions.

There are many, many more, but I'll stop there.

What I'm trying to point out is that persecution doesn't have to be directly said or acted towards a person for it to effect someone. Just because I don't get racist comments whilst walking down the street doesn't mean I'm not affected by the backlash of such things.

In short it all boils down to the politically correct world that we live in and personally I can't wait till we get past it.

I should be able to single someone out as being black without being called racist.
I should be able to say I hate an Asian without being called a racist.
I should be able to fly my flag (not that I would, but that's not the point).
I should be able to get a job, due to my ability, not my background.

/edit - In respect of the car in that article, no one would have minded a Black Power Car. Likewise a Man Power would be called racist, whilst a Women Power one would be a symbol of liberation.

[MaxTheLimit]

Affirmative action is the one thing from kesters rant I'll really jump on board with offense to. I hardly see how it is right to punish this generation for the misdeeds of a past generation. I also don't see how reverse discrimination is the solution to racism. I can see Why a lot of people don't like the term "white power", because the term itself has ties to the KKK and other racist religions. It's unfortunate but it's just common perception. I wish there was a term for being a proud white straight male in his early 20's, because I am I would gladly say I was. I have nothing against women other races or anything. That being said I don't have to like every person of different race, and should be able to express that without people saying that because I don't like a person of another race, it pertains to an entire race. I wish there was a comedian established enough to do satire on how racist Black/Hispanic etc. comedy is but parodying it by flipping it around. It should be done in a way that is tactful yet obvious, so that it can properly point out how it's wrong no matter what race you are. Not going to happen though.

[TheTaxidermist]

It's called being a hypocrite. For instance, black people are allowed to call me "cracker" but if I went and called them the N word, they'd definitely take offense. If you want to be treated equal, act like it. You go around callin me whitey, would you like it if I called you blacky? No, you wouldn't. Golden rule my friend, golden rule. You wanna make me feel guilty because 150 years ago your ancestors were forced into slavery. Why should I feel guilty? I didn't do anything. I should not have to bare the brunt of what stupid ancestors did. It's like sending your son to jail for somethin your father did. It's ridiculous.

I also hate it when people think that they are always being discriminated against. I remember my one friend Dee (well not friend, but rather acquaintance) would get made fun of for some reason or another or somebody would get mad at him, his first response would be "It's cuz I'm black, isn't it." And then I'd say, "No, it's because you are Dee." Look, I know some people discriminate against people of other race, but do not put me in that category.

[Ares]

Being a British White Male in the age group of 20-29, I am one of the most persecuted groups in the UK. That is fact.

While I may not get racist comments or other such acts towards me, so many of my rights are removed, as well as with so many more white, British people in England.
I am not allowed to fly an English flag - it may offend foreigners that live in England.
I cannot speak about a person of different coloured skin - It could be seen as racist.
I cannot dislike a person of another ethnic background - Regardless of reason it is seen as racist.
I am less likely to get a job if I am identical to another applicant, because they are of an ethnic minority - Positive discrimination (basically companies have to employ so many %age of different ethnic backgrounds to make them an equal opportunity employer).
Christmas decorations are no longer called Christmas decorations, they are holiday decorations - It may offend people of different religions.

There are many, many more, but I'll stop there.

What I'm trying to point out is that persecution doesn't have to be directly said or acted towards a person for it to effect someone. Just because I don't get racist comments whilst walking down the street doesn't mean I'm not affected by the backlash of such things.

In short it all boils down to the politically correct world that we live in and personally I can't wait till we get past it.

I should be able to single someone out as being black without being called racist.
I should be able to say I hate an Asian without being called a racist.
I should be able to fly my flag (not that I would, but that's not the point).
I should be able to get a job, due to my ability, not my background.

/edit - In respect of the car in that article, no one would have minded a Black Power Car. Likewise a Man Power would be called racist, whilst a Women Power one would be a symbol of liberation.

I have to agree whole heartedly there.

Am I the only person here that thinks the world has become a bit too touchy-feely? It seems like the FIRST concern on everyone's minds over anything is if anybody will be offended, or anybody's "feelings" will be hurt. I know that abuse of any type is a terrible thing, but I think we're taking it a bit too far here.

We're at the point where the majority is starting to be treaded on a bit to insure that we make room for the minority. I'm just hoping that sooner or later, we'll be able to make judgements with race, creed, and gender being at least something close to a no-factor.

[Atomic Waffle]

You should see what it's like when I walk into the 'states... *Shudders*