The Evolving face of Racism in our Nation

[M Kitt]

Last edited Tue Jul 2, 2013, 10:03 AM - Edit history (4)

Bigotry as Viewed from the Privileged White National Perspective

Ever wondered why the Intolerance so easily observed today has always existed, why it's completely acceptable to so many among us, considered to be simply the "Social Norm"? Even among we "Non-Participants", right?

Targets of this aggression change across the decades, of course, but doesn't it seem peculiar that all of us DON'T understand that bigotry, racism, presumed white privilege of today, they're all interconnected?

And that those "Accepted Behaviors" are actually descended from a literal "lineage" of ambitious, repressive policies that brought about and perpetuated Slavery early in our national history, why haven't ALL OF US considered that?

Truth be told, effects of Centuries Old Colonialism are still being "Echoed" in the damaged results of our current society.

AS POSTED PREVIOUSLY:

Even today increasing bigotry remains an "Abstraction", far removed from our daily lives. Right, Non-Minority?

Essentially, many of we unresponsive "Non-minorities" enable intolerant behavior by inaction, by failing to correct that abhorrent behavior, by neglecting to discourage Bigotry however blatant it's lately become.

That's what preceding generations have done, truth be told, engaged in collective white disregard for the welfare of repressed, generationally impoverished minorities.

Non-participants are COMPLICIT by failure to take significant action AGAINST such aggression in support of long held White privilege.

And this particular form of Generational Ignorance continues, encouraged (nurtured) by those who profit from that Accepted Oppression.

Our "Willful Ignorance" has provided COVER for the actions of aggressive Conservative Aristocracy, whether the majority of us participated or not.

Even today increasing bigotry remains an "Abstraction", far removed from our daily lives. Right White America?

Self-Defeating "Willful Ignorance" isn't nearly as far removed from our current Dysfunctional Society as most of us would like to believe. History SHOULD provide needed context.

_______________________________________________
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Martin_Niem%C3%B6ller
-----------------------------------------

END

Is Religious Bigotry Different?

As mentioned above, effects of Centuries Old Colonialism are still being "Echoed" in the damaged results of our current society.

Effects of what may be our CURRENT National Colonialist behavior (Middle East Empire Building) will likely prevail for centuries to follow. Certain elements of our society (IE Political Opportunists) rationalize those Economic Goals, support and encourage "Licensed Bigotry" as a useful tool in pursuit of them.

Take the "Fear Agenda" we've all become familiar with since 9-11, for instance. Another "Useful Tool" for Political Opportunists.

Blending right wing Politics and Religious Bigotry to suit their needs, to cover for policies that the public would never have otherwise allowed.

Preemptive Wars (Bush Doctrine), invasion and seeming endless Occupation of Iraq, and absurd Prisoner Rendition tactics being obvious examples of Previously Unacceptable Standards under US Policy.

Right Wing leadership understands that those emotions (Fear, Aggression) can be twisted into Political Capital, insecurities of today's "White America" can be played upon for GOP profit. It's an old and proven method, a "Call to Arms" providing cover for other concealed Economic and Political goals.

In Support of Those Who Speak Out

http://open.salon.com/blog/chauncey_devega/2012/03/19/trayvon_martin_and_life_lessons_for_young_black_boys#comment_2868050

Let's recognize those who call attention to "Intolerance", we need to thank them for their courage.

Many avoid THAT, won't confront reality at whatever cost to society, certainly won't say out loud what we all on some deeper level recognize to be forthright TRUTH, that even today Bigotry is thriving, the product of Intolerance nurtured by those who intend to profit from it.

As many of us have observed, that intentionally encouraged (Incited/Provoked) Intolerance can be quite useful as a Political tool.

Like "Shrub" George W. did when he pushed our troops into Iraq for his Imperial Petroleum ambitions.

[heaven05]

1. very good

+1000

[M Kitt]

2. Thanks, appreciate the supportive comment.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/123016212

A slightly revised version of this essay was posted as "Religious Intolerance and Racism, Birds of a Feather" per the above link, which has further comments from others and includes another full page of my own responses that I've since posted elsewhere.

Again, thanks.

[heaven05]

3. thank you

quite complete in the ranges of american bigotry and racism. With America BEING the most recent imperialist power, I enjoyed the modern colonialism reference.