"Everyday Racism"

I think the problem is that scale has been dropped out the window in the favor of instant outrage. Of course there will be some racism in Ireland. There are racist people everywhere, although they do tend to be a minority. The issue is that people being uncomfortable with another 'race' or 'culture' is often taken as racism. Instead, of acknowledging that Ireland is relatively new to immigration, the tack is taken that Irish people should instantly accept all races and all cultures regardless of how different they might be, in how they appear or behave.

The really interesting part though is the expectation for Western nations to completely remove all racism, and failure to do so shows that racism is common. I've lived in many countries in Asia, where racism against both "white" and "black" people is common. It's institutionalized at official levels, and accepted within the culture, because other races are an extreme minority. In Japan, there are bars and restaurants where foreigners are not allowed to enter. It's all very polite, but it's still discrimination based on race.. and all out in the open. In a fight between a white person, and a Chinese person, the white person will be arrested. facts don't matter. There is a "natural" preference in many Asian countries like this. I never really see demands for places such as these to change.

And when I traveled through the M.East and Eastern Africa, I experienced many instances where there would be alternating attitudes of racism, or ignoring of foreigners based on their skin color. Police would check passports of white people, but ignore the black people even if they were foreigners. Although all Americans got checked regardless of their skin color. I lost count of the number of times I was hassled simply for being a foreigner while traveling. All legit, and no reason to be so suspicious, but... it was there all the same.

The point is that the world is a rather racist place... if you don't apply any scale. However, there's little call for other countries outside of Western nations to become less racist. Apparently, even though western countries have racial anti-discrimination laws, and societies that abhors racist behavior, we're more racist than others... Somehow.

Nah. There's an agenda being driven. White guilt. We are all collectively responsible for anything negative that has ever been applied to a minority, and/or all actions by white people throughout history. Naturally, such a collective guilt is not ever applied to Black people (or any other non-white group), because such a thing would be racist. :rolleyes:

White guilt is profitable. Even if you're not a member of an NGO, there's heaps of sponsorship, book sales, lecturing positions etc available for those who gain some publicity by spouting this rubbish.

Racism in Europe would have declined normally as people became more accustomed to those from other countries or races. However, people who advocate that racism is a problem, are generally creating friction in society and encouraging resentment in people who would normally not have cared in the slightest. This isn't about being racist, or creating an equal society. This is about giving these advocates a reason for existing. Friction, conflict, etc is fuel for their careers.

osarusan wrote: »

I cannot think of a single moment in the 40+ years of my life that, either directly or indirectly, I have ever had somebody or something try to make me feel guilty for being white, or straight, or male.

You have to wonder where this particular victimhood complex has come from.

The joy of living in Ireland as it is. Enjoy it while it lasts.

However, should you spread your wings to live abroad for a while, you'll encounter quite a few white people (Usually female Americans/Canadians) or non-whites who will want you to feel guilty for two out of the three.

It's not everywhere and thankfully Europe seems mostly immune to it (so far), but outside of Europe it exists.

As for victimhood, it's rather fashionable these days. Every group seems to avail of it, but it's somehow unreasonable when white males do it. You don't find that interesting?

osarusan wrote: »

Lived abroad for more than 10 years, worked with dozens if not hundreds of female Americans and Canadians in that time, as well as dozens of non-whites, and still haver had it happen.

Ahh well, I've encountered it a number of times. Not very common but then I spend most of my time in Asia.

I think invented victimhood is pathetic no matter who does it.

It's not quite invented though, is it?

For example, within western society, women receive preferential treatment under the guise of equality. They receive many boosts to their lives, and careers, based entirely on their gender which males don't also receive (even though in many areas, they're outperforming men).

If you ever happen to look at educational scholarships, there is are programs for females, and minorities, but nothing for white males.

Now, I don't feel like a victim. I can make my life work regardless of all this, but I can understand that men who have less freedom than I do, would find this difficult to deal with.

osarusan wrote: »

I don't disagree with this at all, and you can add decisions made in family courts as another example of where the scales are weighted against men (and indeed sentencing in general). There are areas where there are imbalances, no doubt. I'm not arguing against that.

What I'm saying is that these imbalances don't come within light years of the idea that society makes people guilty for being straight white males. If you feel that the imbalances mentioned above make my choice of the word 'invented' incorrect, then I'm ready to change that to 'absurdly exaggerated'.

As you said, victimhood is fashionable, and I think that people have seen how it's possible to do well out of victimhood, so they've decided to get on board with the 'What about the straight white male?' whinge.

But this straight white male victimhood complex is no less of a nonsense than any other, and the people spouting it are equally guilty of all the criticisms they level against others involved in their own victimhood complexes.

Fair enough. I tend to find it's something most common in the US/Canada. I lecture in China and I get international students regularly. Quite a few of the male Americans have described institutionalized sexism directed towards them, in the form of fails for exam papers which don't agree with the "accepted" feminist regime. A colleague of mine (Canadian) had to take his university to court over their failing of all his papers (philosophy) which countered the feminist dogma.. He won, but it came years after his graduation would have occurred. Naturally massive expenses afterward, and he just came out with his degree.

I'd agree that it's all nonsense, but since the other nonsense is accepted, and even lauded within many societies, it justifies the need for white males to feel victimized. Which if you accept the other nonsense, then they are.

Don't get me wrong though. I feel that males should be able to rise above these obstacles and have a successful life. However, at the same time, I do feel that now is the time for males to highlight the double standards that do exist, and the privileges that other groups receive. Ignoring the favortism hasn't worked... it has gotten worse. The disparity between the genders.

osarusan wrote: »

This is an example of the absurd exaggeration I'm talking about - the claim that educational institutions are 'obsessed with indoctrinating students with identity politics.'

Obsessed, no. Is it present in many areas of education. Well, yes.

You should take a wander over to the Gentlemans forum, and have a look at some of the sexism related threads. You'll get an idea of what's going on.

And the irony of it all is that the 'straight white male' grievance is just as much a play on identity politics as anything else.

Of course it is... doesn't make their cause any less relevant though. Identity politics for the other groups has been in the public eye for decades. Originally, it was related to feminism and women's rights. Then it expanded on racial or ethnic terms. Often placing males or white males as being the cause of their problems, and it has led to changes in society which place men at a disadvantage..

Like my previous example. Educational scholarships. You can find plenty for women, or minority groups, or races such as black people, but you won't find any for white males. Why? Because Identity politics is a force that has gained momentum, which says that any such boosts white males is discrimination but the other groups deserve such help.