Racism: Liberals vs. Conservatives

There has been a lot talk of racism in light of the Travyon Martin case.  Although I don't know how much the killing itself had much to do with race, its treatment in the media certainly has.  Everyone has their own take on the events of that night, myself included.  On Facebook, people I know have complained over their friends being racist.  Post-Travyon de-friendings are a thing.

Over the years, when it comes to discussions of race, i feel like I have shifted from more liberal to moderate.  I know I have some racist beliefs, even though I don't necessarily want to.  I guess I'm okay with this as a starting point as long as it's a matter of continual improvement.  If anything, I feel like it takes some of the fear out of discussing race.   It allows me to speak more freely, honestly, and without fear.  People are so afraid these days with political correctness and the like.  While it has definitely has its place in politics, it shouldn't hamper our discussions, because ultimately it's the uncomfortable discussions that get us somewhere.  They're hard to have, but they're better than the alternative: downplaying problems until things get violent.

Anyways, this line of thinking gave me the idea of defining Liberals and conservatives in the context of race.   My conclusion is that they only differ in terms of how they confront (or don't confront) their own racism, not in how racist they themselves actually are.  With this, i only hope to be humorous, lighten a difficult subject, and to make the case that everyone is a little racist. We just live with this differently.

lib·er·al  

/ˈlib(ə)rəl/

Definition: Someone is afraid of their own prejudices.  Someone who is internally conflicted between their desire to not "be" racist, and their beliefs about race.  Someone who believes that hating racism and being disgusted with 'racists' will make them less racist.  Someone who hates conservatives, but is afraid to listen to them.

con·serv·a·tive 

 

/kənˈsərvətiv/

Definition: Someone who doesn't worry about their own prejudices, and doesn't know what the fuss is about.  Someone who turns a deaf ear to discussions of race to avoid feeling guilty.  Someone who doesn't participate in the witch-hunt for racists.  Someone who hates liberals, but is afraid to listen to them.