Posted by gardenergirl on April 17, 2007, at 9:54:59
In reply to Re: Having problems - the homeless » Phillipa, posted by scratchpad on April 16, 2007, at 23:17:24
As a white woman, it's harder for me to try to really feel what it feels like for someone to hate, scorn, disparage, look down on, or discriminate against me based on my "membership" in any particular group (though being a woman has it's moments). That's a privilege that comes from being in the majority and dominant culture, whether I want or asked for that privilege or not.
But I wonder...which is worse? Overt bigotry and hatred? Or covert? With overt, at least you know where someone stands, right? For example, the so-called neo-nazi group which recently canceled or postponed its march in a predominantly African-American and lower social economic status neighborhood in my city is pretty clear on their views towards African-Americans. Whereas someone who is more covertly racist, maybe someone who is even unaware of those thoughts and feelings, could do more long term "damage", perhaps? Could this lead to feelings of betrayal or sort of but not quite like being "played for a fool" by those in the group or groups the person has negative feelings about?
Or maybe do people pick up on the covert as well as the overt, so they adapt as appropriate either way.
I don't know why I wonder this. Just one of those things I ponder occasionally. One of those things that makes me feel terribly sheltered and naive.
I suppose the overt would be more immediately damaging and hurtful. And something right there out in the open might serve as a role model of behavior for others, God forbid. But I wonder if the covert stuff might be more insidious and harder to eradicate.
I don't know.
namasté
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:750116
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20070408/msgs/750622.html