Some thoughts about "race", ethnicity and slurs used by some people. But first, a Joke:

[abqtommy]

Last edited Tue Dec 10, 2019, 09:43 PM - Edit history (2)

"Pete and Re-Pete were out in a boat. Pete fell in. Who was left?" Yes, this is an old joke and I learned it in grade school many years ago. The following op is a repeat of thoughts I've posted here at DU before but I think it's important to keep saying some things. Just because...

I don't have problems discussing nearly any topic but "race", ethnicity and culture are especially important to me since I believe that some attitudes concerning these topics (actually only one topic) are important to the well-being of everyone.

First I'll present two key facts that everyone should understand that I hold. The first is that there is only one race and that's the human race. It's a fact, Jack. Look it up. The second key fact is that all the diversity present in the human race, including physical characteristics and language is due to local adaptations. If we can get our heads around this then we can have a productive discussion.

It's not any surprise that "racial"/ethnic/cultural slurs exist among us brothers and sisters in abundance. (note that due to my acceptance or the first key fact presented above, I put the word "race" and it's derivatives in quotation marks. I'll still use it since everyone understands what it means but I prefer the terms ethnicity and/or cultural differences.

There is a lot to be said on the topic of associated slurs. It's not just a problem that nourishes hate and divisiveness here in the U.S., it occurs worldwide. I know of websites that list ALL the slurs used by nation/culture but you'll have to find it for yourself. Knowledge can be a dangerous thing for those who would use it improperly.

My summary is this:
1. Anybody who uses "racial"/ethnic/cultural slurs is a bad person doing bad things to people who are both their brothers and sisters or distant family relatives. It's not productive behavior.
2. Anybody who refuses to use "racial"/ethnic/cultural slurs is not necessarily perfect but they're on the right track by being supportive and inclusive. They're good people doing good things.

So say I. How say you?

[guillaumeb]

1. All of these things are used to divide people into 2 groups.

The good group, the one which I am in, and the bad group, which is all others. And it is acceptable to treat the bad people badly because they are bad.

[Kurt V.]

2. as recently as 6000 years ago, all of us have the same ancestors. Freaking really.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/wash-us-dr-joshua-swamidass-builds-bridge-between-science-and-creation-myths-new-book#stream/0

[lunasun]

3. +++Just one human race

[3catwoman3]

4. Whenever I have to fill out anything that asks for...

...my race, I always pick the “other” option, and put in HUMAN.

[abqtommy]

5. Good for you. I'll have to start doing that. I've long wondered what the edifference is between

"white Hispanic and the other "white". I mean, Sweden and Spain are both European countries...
But I worked with a Mexican who was of pure Castillian heritage and I showed him that he was whiter than I was! Which doesn't prove anything but it's very interesting.