Unacceptability of racism

[fangornforest]

I’m by no means racist and have no racist thoughts towards anyone. It really bothers me when someone is racist about things.

With that said, there are some times where I talk to people around work and we joke about a lot of things. No one tells racist jokes (I’m glad about that). But there are times when we talk in a stereotyped voices a little. Meaning - we would say “I’m going to crass.” instead of I’m going to class (from Chinese to English) or "Let’s order some Generar Gar (instead of General Gao). or sometimes I say something like “Yes, Ma’am” to my co-workers/friends (Ebonics).

I really detest racism, however, are these comments considered racist and also, would it constitute a mortal sin? I’m really uncertain. Several days ago, I went to confessor and mentioned it to my priest but he never said anything about it.

I’m just really not sure because even today amongst my friends, we still joke about things like the above mentioned and such. For example, we were talking about the scottish accent and how it’s so great so we were talking in a scottish accent a lot for fun. I’ve prayed about it, but being scrupulous as I am, I’ve analyzed every situation thinking that I’m such a bad person because of it.

I’m really not sure.

 

[strngrnrth]

I don’t see how “doing voices” is related to racism unless anyone involved means it that way. After all, are you racist against Scots?
It depends on the tone and context the voices are done in.

 

[Newbie2]

Exactly. Stereotyping can be a source of humor, depending on the context. Good example with the Scots; we know how to laugh at ourselves. Otherwise, how could our people have survived in such a Godforsaken country!

 

[fangornforest]

Thanks. That makes me feel a lot better.

No sin involved I guess. Just scruples striking again.

I suppose that’s why its so painful sometimes because I’m not racist, but scruples is almost like a 5 year old poking you to the point where you almost believe the ridiculous things it comes up with. I think the “reasoning” behind it is that I would never want to offend someone otherwise so that little bit would allow it to have a foothold to act against me.

And of course, once that happens, it spirals out of control with the claims that I’m “racist” or committing a non-existent sin.

Anyways, Thanks guys. That really helped.

 

[kettle]

I don’t know about the sinful part, but if I may make a suggestion…

If you wouldn’t do it in front of the person of that specific race/ethnicity, then it’s probably inappropriate and could be quite hurtful or offensive to others. In other words, would anyone actually order “Generar Gar” from the Chinese restaurant? I would hope not, because it would be extremely offensive and hurtful.

 

[Elric]

You may not mean it to be racist, but it can be considered racist by others. Essentially what you are doing is taking the pee out of how other races speak and finding amusment in it.

Every person has racist thoughts at times (most are based on stereotyping), that does not make them racist it makes them human. What you are doing may seem like harmless fun but it can hurt someone if the “wrong” person sees you doing it. I think what your scrupulous are telling you is that what you are doing is hurtful to others and the racist bit stems from our PC society and what others may think of you.

Do you also mimic people who have lisps or stutter?

 

[fangornforest]

You may not mean it to be racist, but it can be considered racist by others. Essentially what you are doing is taking the pee out of how other races speak and finding amusment in it.

Every person has racist thoughts at times (most are based on stereotyping), that does not make them racist it makes them human. What you are doing may seem like harmless fun but it can hurt someone if the “wrong” person sees you doing it. I think what your scrupulous are telling you is that what you are doing is hurtful to others and the racist bit stems from our PC society and what others may think of you.

Do you also mimic people who have lisps or stutter?

You’re right actually. I shouldn’t do that anymore. Though my intentions aren’t to offend anyone, stuff like that probably shouldn’t be joked about.

No I don’t joke about lisps/stuttering.