That's actually an excellent little video, but there is one problem there. Who we are is revealed by our actions. The more actions we take of a particular kind, the more we show that we are that kind.
Which is to say that one statement about "watermelon tap-dancing" does not make you a racist. But spending most of your life calling black people "niggers", using ethnic slurs of other types, refusing to hire people who are black, and giving money to the KKK does say you are a racist. It is a matter of degree.
But it is also a matter of what you want to get out of the conversation as well. Will accusing them of being a racist accomplish anything? If not, focusing on what they did/said may be the better choice. But if you have the overwhelming evidence and making the accusation accomplishes the goal (hint: humiliation is not a good goal here), then that's where you need to focus.
His burglary example is a good one for both, too. Yes, you don't care whether he *is* a burglar when he steals your wallet, you just focus on what he did to get your wallet back. But, if your goal is to prove a life of burglary for punishment, or to attempt recognition of such for rehabilitation, then you have to focus on what he is.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2010-07-18 02:54 pm (UTC)Which is to say that one statement about "watermelon tap-dancing" does not make you a racist. But spending most of your life calling black people "niggers", using ethnic slurs of other types, refusing to hire people who are black, and giving money to the KKK does say you are a racist. It is a matter of degree.
But it is also a matter of what you want to get out of the conversation as well. Will accusing them of being a racist accomplish anything? If not, focusing on what they did/said may be the better choice. But if you have the overwhelming evidence and making the accusation accomplishes the goal (hint: humiliation is not a good goal here), then that's where you need to focus.
His burglary example is a good one for both, too. Yes, you don't care whether he *is* a burglar when he steals your wallet, you just focus on what he did to get your wallet back. But, if your goal is to prove a life of burglary for punishment, or to attempt recognition of such for rehabilitation, then you have to focus on what he is.
no subject
Date: 2010-07-18 03:06 pm (UTC)