Well, I agree...  But I would argue that economics, politics, and history underlie most racism.  It's only then that the grievances associated with these specific causes and events get generalised via the distinguishing characteristics of race, ethnicity, and religion.  

Have fun, CGP

Well, yes and no. What underlies most racism is an atavistic fear and distrust of the other; we're still just monkeys with a couple extra layers of brain tissue added on by evolution to improve our hunting skills. As soon as the social and legal structures break down, we start hurling shit at each other; the point being that it takes great conditioning to get us not to distrust those who appear different. So racism is probably natural in the sense that it's an innate Homo Sap attitude. A truly advanced species would surely consider us still half-crazy animals.

In the Intergalactic Glossary of Sentient Life, the entry for the human species is, "God-fearing Murder-monkeys - contact is not advised".

Now you know why the aliens haven't shown themselves.

[ Last edited by  Marsupial at 22-12-2009 09:45 ]

That comment, itself, might be considered racist, in that it assumes that all Asians should be alike in a way that Westerners aren't. Having lived in Asia for 30 years, I can tell you that few peoples on the planet are as dissimilar, for instance, as the Japanese and Chinese - certainly as unlike as the Italians and Germans. What is it, beyond a certain superficial Asian appearance, that leads you to think Asians should have any more affection for each other than Caucasians?

In any case, proximity is often the greatest cause of mutual enmity - just consider the Russians and the Poles, Turks and Armenians, English and Irish - why should it be any different with the Japanese and the Koreans?

[ Last edited by  Marsupial at 23-12-2009 10:29 ]

I cannot help but be reminded of Jonathan Swift and Gulliver's Travels...  and the war between the Lilliputians over which end to break their boiled eggs.  The greater the proximity, the greater the similarities...  So wars are fought over what appear to any outside observer to be trivial differences...

Have fun, CGP

Was my statement racist? I don’t know, this particular word has so many different meanings to different people. Therefore I don’t like to use it. Its was rather insensitive or rude, to prove a point!

I have observed that “racist” or arrogant opinions with in advanced groups or cultures are usually held by individuals that had little to do with such advancements. Like “racism” in the American South. The poor uneducated white farmer held the poor uneducated black men as inferior. Now look at china, “white skin is so nice, brown skin bad” or “you stupid you go fo brown woman” this is a national attitude held by many.  You know I really don’t mind being “racist” to illustrate this.

Mutual enmity is rarely mutual.  Usually it consists of the arrogant aggressor and their  weaker target that  wont capitulate. Britis never really succeeded with Irish. Russians always tried to take Poland. Turks, Brits, Russions they all tried by killing nobility,  government officials, or intellectuals to control the land  and people. I don’t mind conflict its only natural as is arrogance. Another may prefer peace  and surrender.

How this particular thread has evolved from my little tongue in cheek post to a full blown discussion on race etc.

We oughta start a new thread and title it Bigotry, racism, prejudices - all the slings, arrows etc!!   LOL

SEAJ

Yes, everyone seems to need a racist "defense" against the group they fear but deem as inferior.  For an interesting perspective on this, go see District 9.  It starts out as a mock documentary featuring interviews with South African blacks expressing their feelings about the aliens living amongst them (not so affectionately called the "prawns").  Great movie...

Have fun, CGP