racism

I was the only Asian person in my class throughout grade school and high school. Non-Caucasians were a rarity out in the suburbs back then, so much so that during a murder investigation, a policeman came to talk to me because it wsa rumoured that the murder suspect had been briefly seen in the company of an "attractive female of Asian descent". When this finally dawned on me, I was flattered and horrified and amused all at the same time.


Despite the universal WASPishness of my hometown, I encountered very little racism. Or perhaps I didn't recognize it for what it was. Ironically, I see much more evidence of that sort of thing nowadays than I ever did back then, not sure exactly why.


No one likes to admit they have racist tendencies.


I cringe at sweeping generalizations about a particular ethnic group. Even when statistics may comprise a grain of supporting evidence, ridiculous conclusions are often drawn, usually as an excuse to say something negative about a particular individual or group. Sometimes these generalizations are made by individuals I had thought rational and well-educated.


But enough ranting on that topic.


Updates: Helen and Alec are visiting with us from the UK, and we'll be going to the cottage tomorrow. I've updated My Life In A Nutshell. I've finished Lord of the Rings! Allison's starting up a Silmarillion reading group on message boards, for those interested.


Today's Blatherpic:


- From a land deed belonging to a friend of mine (who inherited it from his grandfather). I was shocked to see that the document was dated in the 1960s.

Feel free to suggest a daily poll question.


Today's Poll:

Are you (even slightly) a racist?