[twinklesweep]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

We have found people very accepting when we tell them we are Jewish.

Expect that Christmas time we will be asked regularly are we ready for it and etc and we will typically say yes as they mean well.

This brings to mind a story that's off-subject (sorry...); maybe a bit of lightness is appropriate, though?

Somewhere in the Deep South a country club is planning a coming-out cotillion, and the organizers go to the local military base to ask if they can send four male officers to help balance the numbers, preferably good social dancers. They extend the invitation, then quietly add that they do not allow Jews in their country club, so could the military make sure to send only Christians and no Jews.

The day of the event comes, and the four Christian officers show up—spiffily dressed in formal uniforms, tall, good looking, smiling, professing to be good dancers—and all African-American!

The organizers who greet them are horrified. One, stammering somewhat, says to the four men, "There must be some mistake...."

One officer replies, "Oh no, there was no mistake. Major Goldberg never makes mistakes!"

[Number 10 GI]

Every race has members that strongly object to marriage outside of their race, not just whites. There are people of religious groups that object to marrying outside their religion. So please get off the only whites object to marriage outside of their race. I've seen many examples of this during my lifetime.

[tophcfa]

Since we seem to be putting ourselves on trial, I will put myself on trial. So, why the hell do I own such a beautiful place in the Villages and still spend more than half of my time up north wishing I was in the Villages? Guilty as charged : ( Dam the responsibilities!

[tvbound]

We improve ourselves, and society overall, by being willing to question and evaluate our deeply held prejudices. Congrats to the OP for recognizing this and at least be willing to address it. If only it were done more often, a lot of our current societal problems and issues could be immeasurably be addressed for the better-by making the effort.

You say you're putting yourself on trial for possibly being a racist and then don't offer any facts to convict yourself of such a thing. This public trial you put yourself through seems to lack a prosecutor. I can't see anyone convicting you of racism for ignoring the one black girl in your school when you ignored all of the females.

I would file a motion to dismiss.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by twinklesweep

This brings to mind a story that's off-subject (sorry...); maybe a bit of lightness is appropriate, though?

Somewhere in the Deep South a country club is planning a coming-out cotillion, and the organizers go to the local military base to ask if they can send four male officers to help balance the numbers, preferably good social dancers. They extend the invitation, then quietly add that they do not allow Jews in their country club, so could the military make sure to send only Christians and no Jews.

The day of the event comes, and the four Christian officers show up—spiffily dressed in formal uniforms, tall, good looking, smiling, professing to be good dancers—and all African-American!

The organizers who greet them are horrified. One, stammering somewhat, says to the four men, "There must be some mistake...."

One officer replies, "Oh no, there was no mistake. Major Goldberg never makes mistakes!"

Thanks for the laugh

[Heyitsrick]

Originally Posted by tvbound

We improve ourselves, and society overall, by being willing to question and evaluate our deeply held prejudices. Congrats to the OP for recognizing this and at least be willing to address it. If only it were done more often, a lot of our current societal problems and issues could be immeasurably be addressed for the better-by making the effort.

I agree, but with this proviso: This has to be undertaken by everyone. People of every race, every religion, every ethnicity, etc., must engage in this. No one gets a pass.

[Byte1]

Sorry, but if you are looking for partners or advocates for Self-flagellation, you won't find it on my end. I'm too old for historical/past regrets. If you feel you wronged someone then you need to forgive yourself. It is none of our business if you suddenly feel guilty for being human. I see no reason for someone to feel guilty about being white, wealthy, attractive, or successful. I also see no reason to feel inferior if you are black, female, Jewish, or homely. If you have a history of treating people wrong, due only because of appearances then that is a problem for you to work out. It is not my problem, and I make no excuses for anyone.
Funny thing about the Internet. Everyone wants to reveal their most inner and personal thoughts. It really does not matter what you think of someone else, as long as it does not interfere with how you treat them. I have known really good people that were also racists, both black and white. I say good, because in spite of their bias, they still treated people with respect and civility. I have known racists that would risk their lives for those very people that they were biased against. You cannot legislate how people think. All you can do is legislate conduct. Generally speaking, good people do not need laws to dictate how to treat others.

[Bob3302]

Originally Posted by jerry101

... No we weren’t!!! Seriously, how dare you make such a blanket statement! We were in sunday school and church every sunday. We lived by the golden rule. Our op must need a ‘shrink’! Are you serious? You’re rethinking 1966??? John 3:16. ... The perfect compliment to all lives matter...

if you can clearly state that you are a god fearing,church attending, person of faith.....and you do not hate anyone......you are not a racist.
“hate destroys the vessal its carried in”

[Fredman]

Originally Posted by billethkid

I do not think it is realistic to look back in time and measure the past using today's metrics.

It was a different time.

I am not sure why some feel the need to try to re-write what was then acceptable or not. An exercise proving nothing!

Agree completely

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Bob3302

if you can clearly state that you are a god fearing,church attending, person of faith.....and you do not hate anyone......you are not a racist.
“hate destroys the vessal its carried in”

I can state it clearly.

I'd be lying through my teeth, but I can certainly state it. Clearly. I can even pretend to be sincere about it.

However, regardless of my biases, regardless of my complete and total lack of interest in any church (other than the Church of the Flying Spagetti Monster, all hail His noodly appendage), regardless in my faith that faith is an exercise in futility, and regardless in the fact that MY god is not fearsome, she is totally loveable -

I am not a racist.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

In general, tribalism is an anthropological survival mechanism, which can explain lots of things.

The first post that hits the nail on the head. Birds of a feather flock together. All the rest is total BS.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

If you were a white male in 1966 and you were not racist, you were breaking the rules of 1966. We were all raised in a racist society then. The question is, are you a racist now?

You maybe, but not me.

[punkpup]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

It seems to me that we are all more comfortable with people who are like us and we are more comfortable with.

In NYC the best neighborhoods for raising children were predominantly Italian, Irish and Jewish. We all had family values and took care of each others kids.

Lived in Queens for many years and sold two co-ops. Had many people come and look when we sold but do not remember any Blacks coming.

Does that make anyone racist? I dont think so.

Let me ask another question. Why are there so few black families here?

There is a growing middle class among Blacks, and many could afford to live here. Why are they not here?

I’m here! (But currently in Boston, MA preparing to sell my house there.) Yes it’s true that African Americans are not as robustly represented in The Villages, but more and more of us are discovering the fabulous Villages Lifestyle!