'I'm not racist, but...'

[kw123]

Well I'm still confused. Based on that information it would seem that the term "whinging pom" is only stereotyping and not "racist" as defined by that description.

However PP's have stated that negative stereotyping leads to racism. I would consider being called a whinger to be a negative comment. So it still seems to me that racist stereotyping only leads to racism in minority groups??

I have to admit I don't see whinging Pom as racism as the english are not a race, or a minority. I think it is stereotyping though, but that's a whole different issue, and in my mind far less serious and damaging. And I say this as a Brit myself!!

[Speedy]

"Whinging Pom" isn't a racial slur. It doesn't have within it generations of belittling racism. It isn't flung at someone as an insult - it's pretty affectionate in my experience. It wasn't a term hurled at British people as they were beaten or stoned or raped or murdered or stolen from or stolen or any number of other atrocities.

"Whinging Pom" isn't said with the intention to demean, belittle and insult. Unlike actual racist terms.

[BuffyLove]

I guess that's my point. Why is okay to stereotype in this way, but if it is regarding a minority group it has this nasty tone to it somehow?

If I were to say all black men have very large ***is' I am merely stereotyping. But if I were to say that all white men have very little ***is' am I stereotyping still or now being racist because that "stereotype" is negative? Or doesn't it count because the race is not a minority? Or does it only count as racist if the group is a different race to my own?

I find it all very confusing. And I think that is why you hear the phrase "I'm not racist, but" so often. Is people are scared of being labelled racist for making a generalisation.

[BuffyLove]

Just a side note - I've heard the term Pom used in an insulting and belittling way many a time. Often followed by the phrase "if you hate it here so much why don't you F off home".

PS - I'm not trying to stir, I am honestly confused by this issue.

I was raised by a family who have quite racist views, but I also understand that they have their reasons for their feelings. I try very hard not to make racist comments and cringe when something is said in front of my kids. I make time for all people, and don't care where you hail from. I do however have strong views on boat people, speaking the language of the country you choose to live in, and assimilating without letting go of your beliefs or customs.

[Speedy]

The difference lies between being called a pom and being called a n!gger.

One is necessarily insulting and has a history of systematic racism behind it. One is not and does not.

Stereotypes are normal. EVERYONE regardless of how liberal they are has stereotypes. We use them to make snap judgements about people based on how they look - we have to in order to ascertain how we behave towards them. The problem comes when you apply those stereotypes to everyone of a particular race/class/sexual orientation/religious inclination etc. Regardless of whether that is something seemingly positive ('black men have big d!cks', 'Asian people are better at maths') because it encourages you to see that group of people as 'other'.

[BuffyLove]

The difference lies between being called a pom and being called a n!gger.

One is necessarily insulting and has a history of systematic racism behind it. One is not and does not.

Stereotypes are normal. EVERYONE regardless of how liberal they are has stereotypes. We use them to make snap judgements about people based on how they look - we have to in order to ascertain how we behave towards them. The problem comes when you apply those stereotypes to everyone of a particular race/class/sexual orientation/religious inclination etc. Regardless of whether that is something seemingly positive ('black men have big d!cks', 'Asian people are better at maths') because it encourages you to see that group of people as 'other'.

Thank you for taking the time to explain this to me. I appreciate it. Food for thought.

[Speedy]

I'm glad it made sense

[FiveInTheBed]

*bump*

on tonight @ 830pm (well 830 my time )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbHWpRdqQC0

[LaDiDah]

With regards to 'Pom' I often find it quite funny when I am called this... Mainly because a large proportion of Australians originate from England in their ancestry! I don't feel any negative racial connotations towards it!

[GothChick]

Silly double post...