It's amazing how little we (in the US, at DU, whatever) actually fully communicate about racism

[lovemydog]

27. Yes. And there's a distortion phenomenon that inhibits discussion.

First off, I agree with you gollygee. We all benefit from open discussion in the spirit of learning and understanding.

I wonder why race is difficult to discuss. Here's one phenomenon that inhibits discussion. Some white people get defensive and distort what is originally said. The distortion makes the original comment appear worse than it really is. Here's a few examples:

1. Someone mentions white supremacy behavior in the context of white privilege. It becomes: I was called a white supremacist.

2. A minor disagreement of the kind that exist in all types of day to day dialogue. It becomes: all this talk of race just leads to making enemies and destroying friendships.

3. Mentioning something that is racist behavior. It becomes: I'm not a racist, don't call me a racist, that's racist to call me a racist.

4. Mentioning some behave in a condescending manner. It becomes: They're calling our candidate racist so they are here to disrupt our candidate's ascendancy.

Why do some people take what is said and distort it into something worse. Something more personal. To the point where it becomes repeated as a lie. These lies inhibit the spirit of communication.