Facing up to my own racism

[caravel]

We're all innately racist, and some of the most racist people I have ever met have been of black, hispanic or Asian origin - this is not an 'ism restricted only to whites, far from it.

I would also cross the road or take a different route if I was walking towards a group black youths. On such an occasion I wouldn't like to take the chance in being all liberal and politically correct.

Unfortunately the social conditioning we're subjected to via the media on a daily basis works itself into our subconsciousness. A person may think that they're above such things but it does get under your skin.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

I think we are all inately more warry of people the more different they are from us. There's nothing really wrong with that, so long as we realise that it's an instinctive reaction rather than a reasoned one.

The Asian Muslim didn't make you uncomfortable just because he's Asian or Muslim but because he's different. Had he been a white Muslim or an Asian Christian you likely would have been more comfortable.

Having said that, the current geo-politcal situation and religious tensions in the world are going to start tripping alarms in the back of your head.

[Husar]

I have such thoughts as well Banquo, at least since some guys wanted to blow up a train that goes through Cologne and I am now using that route about every two weeks. But then I also wonder whether other people might think I could have a bomb in my really big coffer.
No, I'm white, very white, but still.
I think it's just that they look different, I'm not really worried but they get a bit of extra attention at times, even without reading a holy book. Sometimes it's enough if they're female.

In the end though, I treat them like everybody else, my thoughts or feelings about someone are subject to rational testing before they dictate my actions and I have to say I've had a lot worse thoughts which I acted on than "he might be a suicide bomber".