Re: RE: Naders Big Chance

On Wed, 10 Jan 2001, Kendall Clark wrote:

> I'm curious about this. Can you say anything at all about what kind of
> world this might be, or what there might be about it that so concerns
> you?

I think you nailed it in the next paragraph.

> <speculation type="wild ass">It seems to me that in such a world, that
> is, in one where there is no systematic oppression of racial groups,
> there *could* be relatively harmless individual bigotry and prejudice
> that wouldn't amount to very much. The world then might actually be
> like what most Whites falsely take it to be like today.</speculation>

I agree that systematic oppression is far, far, far worse than simply
bigotry.  Believing all black people are stupid doesn't do all that much
harm if you never have the power to act on those beliefs.

However, I see two issues here:

1. Whether or not there is systematic oppression, it is still possible for
one individual to exercise power over another.  A society where no one can
ever exercise power over another person is pretty much unthinkable.  So
while there may not be systematic oppression, there would still be unfair
treatment on an non-systematic basis.  Relative to the existing situation,
I suppose you could call such a thing harmless.

2. I just dislike bigotry on principle.  I think it is unethical whether
or not it is accompanied by power.  I want a world where each person is
judged entirely on their own merits.  Bigotry is closely tied to hate and
in my ideal world people there would no such thing as a priori dislike or
hate.  That's not to say that you can't hate someone.  There are many many
people throughout history who've demonstrated through their personal
actions that they are quite well deserving of hate.

I admit, this is quite utopian but I still like to pretend that my
activism is working towards this world.  OTOH, systematic oppression is
far more damaging and needs to be the primary focus.  I would propose that
when it comes to bigotry unaccompanied by power, the best response is to
not dwell on it too long but simply make the point that you find such
things unethical while also reminding people that the focus needs to
remain on systematic oppression (and then demonstrating this with one's
actions).

Whenever possible, it would be best to choose to work with people who are
not bigoted with regards to race/sex/religion/whatever.  Of course, there
is no such person ;)


-dave

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