Some assorted thoughts:
- For god’s sake, in writing, just spell out the swear word. You’re not fooling anybody by it. The only reason I do it is because of the forum rules.
I try to avoid swearing to be a good representative of my faith, especially on this forum. The f-word is especially off limits to me, and therefore I edit it out of many posts I am quoting.
I hate when people try to tiptoe around the word “racist” by using euphemisms like “racially charged” or “some people maybe think this is racist.” Just say the word. The media’s definitely guilty of this.
Our view of what’s racist and what’s not racist is kind of messed up. Most people think you have to be some outright segregationist to be a racist. No, there’s more to it than that. And we’re heavily biased towards racist word than racist actions. See: the reaction to the shithole comment and the reaction to actually racist policies.
This is true. I personally feel I have come to a greater truth on this topic than most, because I believe that we are nearly all racist to some extent. I believe that we pardon some racism because of who it came from or how it was framed, but I believe it is always wrong. However, I try to be slow to judge others for it because a) it is so universal; and b) most people try to stifle it to some extent, and I give them credit for trying. What I find to be the biggest danger is that there are those who refuse to acknowledge their own tendencies, especially when they are quick to judge others. Racism is one of the most pervasive evils of this world, but it is also one of the most natural. Studies have shown that we tend to have racial biases even in the earliest stages of development. It takes active effort to overcome these inherent challenges. Don’t be so hasty to point the finger, especially when most of Hillary’s deplorables are simply good but ignorant people.
- darth_ender, the thing about “slightly different wording” is nonsense, but you do have a point about the additional sentence.
No, your wording is not nonsense. Let’s say I did decide to vote for Trump even though I despise him. I wouldn’t have done so because I am fine with his racism. I might oppose his racism, but still be okay with it when compared to what I opposed in Hillary. There is the nuance in your two sentences. Thank you for acknowledging that the additional sentence seals the deal.
- The most powerful tool you have in a democracy is your vote. Therefore, you shouldn’t waste it on a bigot just because you like their tax plan. Sometimes you won’t really like either candidate, but, sometimes you just have to learn to grow up and just do the right thing.
I disagree here. My vote is one of many tools, and unfortunately it is a weaker one. More powerful actions would be those that influence policy, such as trying to influence large groups of others’ votes, lobbying for change with politicians themselves, etc.
I wish that the GOP constituents had realized that Trump was not the right thing. He is a terrible human. Unfortunately, party loyalty and a terrible Democratic candidate (though not nearly as terrible as Trump) blinded the majority of Republicans.