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What makes white privilege so insidious is that those that benefit from it, can't see it. It's like a ghost that everyone in the room can see except the person being haunted by that ghost.
Wealthy/powerful white men understand this best and use it to their advantage; either to endear themselves to minorities (liberal politicians, benevolent philanthropists) or to stir up emotions in working class and middle class whites (conservative politicians). Consequently, middle class and working class whites end up standing on the opposite side of the fence from people of color whom they have more in common with. Think about how many discussions you see where middle income white men support decisions made by big business even though they're the group most likely to suffer the consequences.
Easy to solve the problem, really. Just give each race/ethnicity/culture its own space. Don't believe me? Look at a map of the world and read a history book. You'll soon realize that the most stable places in the world, today, and yesterday were/are racially and ethnically/culturally homogenous. Its just a fact of life. All that other stuff is bunk.
What do you do and/or wish everyone would do that helps to promote understanding and comfort and a sense of belonging and togetherness and trust between all people?
I know the answer. I mean, looking at my forum name; Galileo Smith, how could I not know? Here is what has to be done; we all must forget race. We must be oblivious to it. This mean whites, blacks, Asian, all of us. It could be done over a couple of generations with the national anti-smoking campaign as a model. No race-specific clubs, magazines, or organizations. With the exception of medical science, seeing race in your fellow human would unacceptable, like lighting-up a cigarette in a crowded public place.
I have stated this same sentiment from time to time in various forums, and there have usually been a couple of people who admit that they would never do it. Their race means too much to them.
Intermarriage among races and ethnic groups is the answer. My grandmother said it 40 years ago and I think she was right. I think it's the only answer. The rest is just talking in circles.
In a nutshell, equality for all, including laws, languages, dress codes, rights, etc, etc.
IMO, inequality breeds contempt.
No one race, creed, religion or any other group gets ANY preferencial treatment for ANY reason.
If a uniform is a uniform, it is called (uniform, meaning the SAME) that for a reason. All must wear it as it is created.
If someone is allowed to do something, then ALL must be allowed to do the same thing.
All are punished equally for the same crime. (except youth of course)
What do you do and/or wish everyone would do that helps to promote understanding and comfort and a sense of belonging and togetherness and trust between all people?
I think trying to accept everyone as an individual based on the merits of their character is the best placed to start. I live in the south now and enjoy blue collar work, I typically wear my head shaved. Out of ignorance people think that I'm somebody they can make racial jokes with, but I'm pretty quick to tell them that type of humor is not okay with me. It's ugly and demeaning. The more people around to hear my perspective the greater the satisfaction that I am not perpetuating that type of stereotyping.
Prejudice is in our nature however. We all fear or do not understand other's experiences in all cases. I personally have a tough time with white males, who have two arms, two legs, can speak clearly, and pan handle. I don't understand what possible excuse they can have for not getting and holding gainful employment. I don't act on this prejudice, but I clearly feel it.
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