To: zeta1961 who wrote (100703 ) 9/4/2011 5:37:26 PM From: tejek Read Replies (1) | Respond to What I am saying is that I don't know if, in fact, whites have a fear of blacks and Latinos. I know I don't but I don't know if its true of others. IIt's my experience that more are afraid of latinos/blacks and asians to a lesser degree, than are not...The media is a major player in feeding the stereotypes and fears, as you well know. That's what makes FOX news and Limbaugh, et. al. especially repulsive. Funny story re. stereotypes. Recently, I was getting groceries and went on a junk food binge......usually happens twice a year whether I want to or not. <g> When I got to the cashier I was disgusted.........there was more junk food in my cart than real food. That's when I looked up and saw the cashier. He was black as nite.......6'4".......built like a tight end with dread locks......and mean looking. Talk about stereotypes. Of course, this was a supermarket and its not likely he was going to jump me and take my money........so I stayed in the line.<g> Myriad reasons for those that are afraid, imo. From what region one comes, the kind of family and community they were raised in, and the opinions and beliefs in these systems... highly influential......but, at the same time, there's not a family(with more than 2 kids where there's more homogeneity) I've met where all the children grow up embracing what they were exposed to, no matter the environment or subject matter. I was fortunate that my father opposed racism and while my mother had her prejudices, she was not allowed to broadcast them. I think that makes a big difference. As you've mentioned in the past, in these polarized times, so often siblings and other relatives are so divided in their political and social views that they can barely talk to each other, if at all..... That's what's really sad. And it seems to be getting worse. As much as it's depressing, I also find it absolutely fascinating....how did people exposed to the same environment, family and educational system develop into adults with such varying views? Does it mean some were born wired to be less afraid? Some more afraid? Less judgemental or more judgemental? In other words, how much does innate wiring impact ones proclivity re: how fearful and judgemental one is and very importantly, how he or she acts upon these thought/emotional states.........Mystery.... I find it interesting as well. My cousin is an MD......has a successful practice.....dedicated to saving lives. And yet, has lots of guns if 'those people' try to break in. We can not talk about anything like that. It makes for a very tense relationship. Because what people do about this fear is also varied.....for some, like our tea partiers, they go about doing what we see they are doing. For others, the fear is there, they keep their distance while retaining an open mind to experience first hand and get it that each color and culture of humans(!) has its, altruists, geniuses and miscreants... That's something I learned when I was in school. Some people deal with their fear internally and master it. Others try to control those around them so they don't feel the fear. I think teapers may be the latter. Home Mail Hot
