The Fallout

[the_jason]

It sounds to me like you think it's ok to use someone's race to describe their abilities. That is wrong. That is racism. There is only one instance when a person's skin color should ever be used, which would be a police description or something. Any other usage of color is a form of racism.

[rosie321]

It sounds to me like you think it's ok to use someone's race to describe their abilities. That is wrong. That is racism. There is only one instance when a person's skin color should ever be used, which would be a police description or something. Any other usage of color is a form of racism.

If only that were true. If that were the case there would be no afirmative action programs, quotas, pc police and constant NAACP thrieats.

Race or other differences can be an assistive identifying factor when discussing or describing someone or a general group. It gives you a base to work from. There are certain traits that different groups or races or other differences tend to focus on whether chose to be admited or not. There is good and bad examples or generalities in each. I don't believe we should look unfairly down on another group because they are different nor do I think we should hide those differences. If there is bad stuff that should be gotton rid of then it can be taken care of and eliminated. But it will take not hiding behind the everyone is out to get me syndrome.

Here on this site, for example, we have many different religions represented. I don't expect someone to hide what it is they believe who is not LDS nor do I wish to hide my beliefs but to give a reason why I believe as I do. As a latterday saint I feel there are certain things about LDS that would be useful for non members to understand. They need to be able to give a reason for their faith and to understand why LDS as a whole may not do the same things. Even though LDS don't see eye to eye all the time there are certain things that define LDS as a group that others don't have or believe in.

For example knowledge of the preexistance, restoration etc. We believe in the Word of Wisdom, being chaste etc. Those are some good things to know to build general understanding with others not of the LDS faith. With that mutual understanding and respect built up it would be more likely that we wouldn't go back and forth hurting one another. We would all get along. It would be awful for us to come down on the non-LDS people and demean them for not being the same or acting out of misunderstanding as it would be for non-LDS to use derogatory remarks about us or do as some of the anti's do destroying our scriptures, dragging temple items through the streets etc.

If we started mocking the prophets or destroying our sacred things then how can we be upset if they do the same?

I believe the same principles can be used when dealing with racial or disabling or other issues too. But it takes people working together and not devisively. Acknowledging differences and learning to live the golden rule!

[the_jason]

Let me ask you something. Do you ever say phrases such as "I was talking to this black guy today..." or "I went to the store with my Asian friend." If you do, you are using a form of racism. I'm not saying everyone who speaks this way is racist. They just sometimes say racist things.

[rosie321]

Let me ask you something. Do you ever say phrases such as "I was talking to this black guy today..." or "I went to the store with my Asian friend." If you do, you are using a form of racism. I'm not saying everyone who speaks this way is racist. They just sometimes say racist things.

No thats not the normal way I talk nor do most. However there might be instances where I might use it in a story, or to describe something , someone or event, to point out somebody to another person, or even help in the case I forget a persons name . Since I'm not the best with names I might say is that the one with or thats them with........... or looks like that and give distinguishing features. But that might very well be construed by someone as racist in our day and age. But I do that because it is what they look like or those are features they have. Not because I'm trying to create disharmony with others. I wouldn't begrude another for doing the same to me either. I do have a few distinguishing features which others have pointed out and have been bantered with about them but I take it all in stride.

If you're looking for offense you'll find it. It all boils down to the Golden Rule. That is what needs to be preached and lived. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Not wait until you are treated good and then be nice to others. Love one another and forgive others.

[rosie321]

There will always be evil on the earth. So there will always be people who will seek to harm others for whatever reason. Prejudice goes in my mind onto the evil side of things.

In some ways we will always be discriminatory, racist and prejudiced. For LDS being of the "True Church " or being a temple mormon/ born in the covenant member might make one feel or appear superior and others inferior.

By todays standards God has been racist also. What do we do with Him? In His world Israels seed is the chosen and everyone else must be adopted into the house of Israel. Christ only went to them when he was on the earth and instructed His disciples to do the same. He almost refused helping a person that came to him and begged that she may be healed by pleading that even a master throws scraps unto the dogs. People are told not to marry out of the faith and in OT times guidelines were also very strict. Joseph Smith told to join no other faith because they were all wrong. Homosexuality not favored by God. Whole towns scripturally pegged as evil and destroyed....

It just seems like racism and prejudice can be found and there might be purposes, times and places for it. On the other hand we are called to be one and to work together as much as within our power. To not show ourselfs superior to another to harm or hurt another. Those who do , in my opinion are of the other side and by their works ye shall know them. The true intents of the heart made known. All secret places revealed. The one who faces a racist act needs to be careful they don't return the hatred or become prejudiced themselves.

Just my thoughts.

[JcDean78]

Now I do not think race SHOULD be an issue but it has been made one. In the case of McNabb it certainly was an issue because he was being over rated because he was black! Pointing out the truth does not make you a racist or a bigot. The only real bigots were the people looking to promote him because he was a black QB. Just like the people who talked non stop about both coaches in the Super Bowl being black or anyone else who constantly promotes affirmative action in any form... those are the REAL racists!

[rosie321]

The problem with racism, discrimination, political correcteness and all such related terms today is that it has expanded to unreasonable levels. It seems to me that things were thrown into that terminology that never should be there. The terms have now become so broad its hard to know when someone has actually been harmed or just needs to get a grip.

For example if someone interprets what I say the wrong way I can be labeled racist. Having had no intentions whatsoever to do so. Its just how they interpret it.

Also the punishments for being labeled racist, harassing, discriminating and all that costs dearly. One can have their name ruined lose their job, be dragged through courts, etc. All from someones misunderstanding of what you said. It puts people on edge and does more to seperate people then pull people together. It in my opinion has become the new modern day witch hunt or has mentioned above MCCarthism. There's too much profit in crying discrimination. Its not trying to right a wrong or create greater understanding . No tooth for a tooth hear.

I stand against racism and discrimination and feel it should be drawn out. I don't think we should be making ourselves better than one another and seeking to harm one another. Thats a two way street. One offended should not go after an offender for more than they should but rather with the attititude Father forgive them they know not what they do. Because if they harm you they really don't understand how valuable in the sight of God. He has the hairs on your head numbered! He will be holding them accountable.

It all goes back to a closeness to God. As the Book of Mormn illustrated when people were obeying God there were no Nephite, Lamanitites...... they were able to work through their differences and did not have to war.

Those who follow Christ know that they will be persecuted and discriminated against for His name sake. They don't have to ruthlessly pursue people but love and forgive as required. Its too bad the whole world doesn't have such understandings. There'd be a lot fewer instances of racism, discrimination...

[rosie321]

How do you handle the whole race/prejudice/ pc area without compromising who you are?

Right now much concerted effort is being made to clean things up and not offend anyone so we can live in our perfect society. Right now people are looking at the shock jocks and talk shows and saying they deserve it. This effort in my opinion will not stop with just the media. It will impinge on all our freedoms in the longrun. The same type of thinking in my opinion is what got people like Hitler going

What does that mean for christians and conservatives? How can we survive the times without compromising our beliefs, standing for truth at all times and all places, retaining as many of our freedoms as possible, protect and provide for our families and not be destroyed in the process?

Right now I can't help but see this whole fiasco with Imus (since it has been made the catalyst for change) and others in media as a tool for a much farther agenda. Don't mean to sound like a conspiracy theorist But say for example in a forum, like talk radio or tv commentary where one can say what they believe and to make your points etc. what do you do to promote values and a sense of right and wrong? Bringing it to the every day for us how in general conversations can we keep from falling into the Racist/pc/ prejudiced/ harrasment camp?

For example most Christians fundamentally believe certain things are wrong and will lead a person to hell or lesser glory if you will. Homosexuality, fornication, adultery, stealing etc are all viewed as sinful acts and subject reaping from them what was sown. But one is prejudiced and discriminating if they state what it is they believe, that it is a sin and it is wrong. The person recieving it will most likely take it as the christian is making themselves out to be superior and are not falling in step with the PC crowd. Now days even words are considered racist and discriminating therefore the person saying them are fair game for attack. How can this be handled or addressed?

Everyone should have a right to speak their mind (maybe not act upon everything). Ellen Degeneres and Rosie O' Donnell (not where I got my screen name from by the way) are lesbian. I believe homosexuality is wrong even though they might be the nicest people on the earth. If the right opportunity arose to speak my mind about that issue I'd have to say what I believed to be true to myself. On the other hand I wouldn't be dragging them out into the streets demeaning them or anything despicable but in love I would have to say sorry can't support it.

It bothers me that respect is a one way street when dealing with this whole pc issue. In our area many have been affected by it. Police, teachers, media, workplaces. Many good people taken down as crime and other social ills rise.

The last days are here. only the strong will survive. I suppose I need to trust God more His Will will be accomplished, he will protect and reward accordingly. Looking at all thats happening scares the heck out of me though:(