Race Relations in Midcoast Maine (gas, distance, love)

[raygabs]

I grew up in New York..New York for goodness sake. The diversity capital. There was more racism and riots in the outskirts like Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx than I care to remember.Manhattan was an exception..very accepting of everything. The pockets of ethnic groups stuck together and I think the real basis for racism is a fear of a certain culture and way of life disappearing. I was involved for many years with someone outside my race and experienced firsthand how ignorant people can be.We all can fall victim to our own ignorance, though. The best remedy for racism is to actually get to know a person and you realize that we're all just PEOPLE. It's the same for outsiders, treehuggers, race, religion...I think there's a saying to never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes.

[msina]

Dramamama, here is where I got the info
eMedicine - Multiple Sclerosis : Article by Marjorie Lazoff, MD ,

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by raygabs

The pockets of ethnic groups stuck together and I think the real basis for racism is a fear of a certain culture and way of life disappearing. I was involved for many years with someone outside my race and experienced firsthand how ignorant people can be.

I think it is "instinctive" for similar people to congregate together. I would say that this instinct dates back to primitive times. Similar people felt comfortable within the group, it was safety and survival. Outsiders who were "different" represented danger and were distrusted.

People focus on "race" because it is an easily distinguishable characteristic, but really, *any* difference can evoke the same response- the way you look, the way you talk, religion, who you know, rich vs. poor- even as has been discussed in regards to "native Mainuhs" as opposed to people "from away".

[raygabs]

Originally Posted by Zymer

I think it is "instinctive" for similar people to congregate together. I would say that this instinct dates back to primitive times. Similar people felt comfortable within the group, it was safety and survival. Outsiders who were "different" represented danger and were distrusted.

People focus on "race" because it is an easily distinguishable characteristic, but really, *any* difference can evoke the same response- the way you look, the way you talk, religion, who you know, rich vs. poor- even as has been discussed in regards to "native Mainuhs" as opposed to people "from away".

you got it, Z!

[mollysmiles]

good post Zymer!

[dramamama6685]

Thanks for the link!

[editec]

It doesn't matter what your "race " is.

If you move to central or northern Maine you will always be a flatlander to some local folks.

Mainers are more xenophobic than racist.

[JWK]

Originally Posted by editec

It doesn't matter what your "race " is.

If you move to central or northern Maine you will always be a flatlander to some local folks.

Mainers are more xenophobic than racist.

You drag a six year old thread up to say this? You have two posts as of my posting this. The other one is to respond to another useless thread on homosexuality being a population control method over in the Bangor forum.

What exactly are your motives?

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by johnnykay

You drag a six year old thread up to say this? You have two posts as of my posting this. The other one is to respond to another useless thread on homosexuality being a population control method over in the Bangor forum.

What exactly are your motives?

maybe he's in the media,,,they love to throw gas on a fire,,,,and watch it burn from a distance..

[namder1]

I was wondering the same thing...........