Dilemma

[Rhisiart]

From my perspective, we are blessed to have racial diversity.

I know the most common theory why people are racist; they look for a scapegoat when life is difficult or the world appears to be working against them.

I just don't know whether to feel pity for racists or utter contempt.

Can anyone help me solve this dilemma?

[fryke]

Hm. Is there really a dilemma? If you have to _wonder_ what you "should" feel, then you feel neither, really, don't you? Or do you _feel_ one or the other but feel somehow wrong about it?

I haven't yet met very actively aggressive racist people to my knowledge. And those who're just ignorant - like the ones you're describing as it seems to me - make me feel just like any ignorant person does: I feel mild anger about them. I don't really feel pity for them.

[Rhisiart]

Originally Posted by fryke

... and those who're just ignorant - like the ones you're describing as it seems to me - make me feel just like any ignorant person does: I feel mild anger about them. I don't really feel pity for them.

I raise the question as I had to deal with an anxious patient yesterday who had been rude and insulting to an Indian doctor who was simply trying to help him.

I just wonder whether it is easy for a privileged person like me to see how illogical and unacceptable racism is.

Perhaps that patient (who maybe had good reason to be anxious per se) just hasn't had the opportunity to learn the basics of life. If so, that is pitiful.