Ask an Ex-racist

[downbeatplumb]

Have you ever looked at a racist person and went "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Have you ever wanted to know how they justify what they are doing and saying?

Well here is your chance.

I grew up being taught to be racist and it wasn't until I got away and started my own life that I realized how fucked up I was and how fucked up it was to be taught to be like that. Since 'seeing the light' I've been trying to some how even out all the hate I spread but I still feel guilty. I've been wanting to talk about it to people that aren't in the same boat as I am, get an outside perspective but also show people that even horrible people can change for the better. So if you want to ask anything you may and I will answer truthfully.

Notes:
My mother is not racist, everything was done either behind her back or she fought hard against it. Her only fault was marrying a man that was racist (but honestly she has been married twice and in a third decade-long relationship and every one of them was seriously messed up. Current one has severe PTSD and is a hoarder. I think her MO is getting with guys she thinks she can fix. To be fair she almost did fix my step dad he was -almost- a stand up guy in public.)

I was around 23/24 when I realized what was wrong. I'm going to be 29 this year so it hasn't been really all that long for me to be on this side.

I get called a hippy and liberal by friends and family now for my outspoken 'crazy' views on this, religion, and personal rights. They blame it on me living in Austin which is the only blue in a sea of red politics.

I applaud you. It is hard to shake ingrained prejudice.

[Minimalist]

I was in the same boat, Moon, back in the 50's.  My folks were openly racist, GOP stalwarts.  I recall my mom telling me "the democrats are all for the niggers."  But we lived in a lily-white suburb and there was only one black kid in the school.  It wasn't until I got to college that I actually got a chance to meet some and talk to them.  And then I had a factory job during that first summer and I was partnered with an older black guy who was about the funniest man I had ever met.  He made that job tolerable.

My older brother never got over it, though.  He's a Trumptard.  Of course he never went to college either which explains why republicunts hate higher education.

[Catholic_Lady]

Don't have anything to ask, but just wanted to commend you for breaking out of the racist mentality despite it being how you were raised. It takes real strength of character and a strong conscience to have done that.

[Fireball]

I was raised pretty redneck and intolerant, but I grew out of it once I left home for the US Navy. Even though the Navy was (and probably still is) pretty racist. But I've been away from it for 40+ years, so who knows?

[mlmooney89]

I think that's the thing. You have to step away to get a clear view and so many don't get away from their home town. I mean I love my home town and I don't think it was getting away from the town itself that helped me it was my step dad leaving but usually you don't get away from the toxic people without moving away yourself. Too many people stay around them and that's why we have mass amounts of racist people in rural areas.

[brewer]

I was in the same boat, Moon, back in the 50's.  My folks were openly racist, GOP stalwarts.  I recall my mom telling me "the democrats are all for the niggers."  But we lived in a lily-white suburb and there was only one black kid in the school.  It wasn't until I got to college that I actually got a chance to meet some and talk to them.  And then I had a factory job during that first summer and I was partnered with an older black guy who was about the funniest man I had ever met.  He made that job tolerable.

My older brother never got over it, though.  He's a Trumptard.  Of course he never went to college either which explains why republicunts hate higher education.

OMG, why on earth can't you be more like your brother?

(ducks/runs)

[Edwardo Piet]

However, above all would you say it all ultimately comes down to almost being indoctrinated into it [racism in this case], really?

---

As an actual self-identifying hippy liberal (and proud to be both), I myself think there are certainly worse things someone could call you

1) Yes I was definitely indoctrinated just like I was with religion. The racism was pushed much farther though. With religion we just said prayers at dinner time and called atheists stupid. With racism... it was part of daily life. Once in fifth grade I got a "boyfriend" and when my step dad saw his picture he said I need to break up with him because he is black. I was shocked cause I didn't think he was (I later realized he was mixed and his curly hair labeled him 'black enough' for my step dad) once I was told this I broke up with him. Then in high school this really dark black guy was paying attention to me. I tried to avoid him but if I had been honest with myself back then I really did like him. My step dad worked at the alternative school for the bad kids and it got back to him that this black kid was 'chasing' me. To put a stop to it he let it slip to the right kids that I was racist and it got back to this guy. He, and rightly so, turned on me and I became bullied. I don't blame him one bit but back then I was so confused because part of me was like 'but I liked you' while the other part was so indoctrinated that I thought I was too good for him and 'fuck yeah I'm racist'. (oh btw it wasn't exactly a secret a lot of people knew I was one)

2) I don't mind being a hippy because I love saving the environment and all that jazz. I just don't think I should be called one for speaking out against hate. I reckon if I HAD to be labeled a party liberal would be the closest but I'm not actually one. I've taken the 'tests' and I always come up dead even because I agree with points on different things on both sides.

Fuck I like you.

Thank you for your response

[Minimalist]

OMG, why on earth can't you be more like your brother?

College, I guess.

[The Valkyrie]

As an ex-racist, do you ever feel the need to go back, just for a day?

If you did, what race would you hate the most?

Obviously, these questions are in jest.

[Huggy Bear]

Were you secretly attracted to black men?