[lightworker888]

I find it interesting to read all the different views on "racism" most of which I tend to code as "preferences". We all have preferences based on our personal history and some are more staunch in their holding of them and others are more open to looking at them and possibly expanding them or eliminating them.

It's like we are all looking out of different windows in this big house we all live in and some choose to stay in one room and others seek to explore the house and see what is in other rooms and out other windows.

All the choices we make in life are based on our viewpoints and for many there is alot at stake if they change their perspective. In fact for some it would shake up their whole world and create too much confusion so they choose not to look out another window. There really is no reason to blame them, as they are the ones who have to live with the consequences of changing their viewpoint. I still have a challenge with extremists of any sort, and maybe that is where the term "racist" belongs.

I remember that my husband (Irish descent, and I'm Chinese) once went into an ice cream store and was served by a young lad who had tattoos all over and green hair and an earring. My husband at the time was very conservative in his thinking but for some reason got engaged in conversation. When he told me about the experience, he said that it really gave him food for thought and made him realize how much he judged kids by their appearance and often dismissed those who weren't attired "properly". He still would prefer the other, but he no longer judges them by how they look. Like most people he is most comfortable with those who are similar in thought and action, though he does like a good debate!

When I was young, I used to think that any "misfortunes" I suffered were because I was Chinese, but as I got older I began to realize that my "misfortunes" were consequences of my own actions or thoughts and in fact most of them turned out to have great silver linings and were really not misfortunes.

When my husband and I were married over 30 yrs ago, heads would always turn as I have always lived in a predominantly white neighbourhood. Now, hardly anyone notices us as a couple, except chinese people that see us! And they always look twice, even if they are an interracial couple.

Racism has always been a hot topic, so like all hot topics there will be many viewpoints. I think I better go into another room now.

LW888