Intolerant people who are themselves minorities

[Boozy]

My boss is the most intolerant bastard I know. He's always making racist remarks about Jews and black people. And he's really homophobic. I'm so pissed off about it I'm ready to quit.
Here's what I don't get....he's East Indian! I'm CERTAIN he must have experienced racism at one point in his life. Why is he not mindful of his own attitudes and behaviour?
My husband said it might have something to do with the Indian caste system. My boss was born upper class (Brahmin is it?) and he may have been raised to think of others who are different as inferior. Does anyone here know if that could be true?

[protege]

Thought you might find this interesting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste#Castes_in_India

From what I read, it *does* sound like he was raised that way. However, sooner or later, he's going to have a *serious* fuck-up. That is, he's going to call someone the N-word, and they're going to kick his ass.

It's not just in India that this goes on--similar beliefs can be found in this country. Rich people think anyone below them is scum, and the middle class thinks that poor people are scum. Not *all* of them, but some of them.

[AFPheonix]

Racism and classism were not invented by whites, nor do white people hold the monopoly on either of them.

Stupid knows no race or color, I suppose.

[Rapscallion]

I saw a talk show in the UK many moons ago, and it was themed around racism on that day. I saw a black intellectual proclaiming to one and all that it was impossible for a black person to be racist.

I wonder if the Tsutsi and Huntus agree with him. They've been involved in a war based on race/tribes for long enough. Sure, it may be simple tribalism, but the principle's the same.

I've been discriminated against by Jews - little things for the most part, such as suddenly not being worth talking to, but occasionally larger such as being told I wouldn't understand because I wasn't Jewish. I've also met Jews who would give me the shirt off their back if I needed it. Thing is, I didn't worry over much about the various slights I met. I generally figured that to be their problem, but I couldn't see a way of correcting obnoxious behaviour other than not reacting.

Well, I wanted their money, see?

Rapscallion

[horror]

Just because you're not white doesn't mean you're automatically not - or incapable of being - racist.
If I had a dollar for every time I've been called a "cracker bitch" by a black person I would be a very rich woman.

[Greenday]

A lot of the New York Jews (a whole category unto itself) flat out refuse to talk to my co-workers at the pharmacy whom aren't Jewish. So I usually say I'm Jewish and help them. Then, when all is done, I let it slip I'm a Christian. Oh, the looks on their faces are just priceless.

[AFPheonix]

Heh heh heh.....
"So, how about that Jesus the Messiah guy?"

[Teysa]

*laughs* I would have so much fun with those people. I have a Hebrew name and look very much like the stereotypical Jewish girl. The fact that I'm Christian would really throw them for a loop.

[Aldous]

I've been exiled from my family for being an Atheist. My mom, Jewish, was exiled from the family for marrying a christian man. My mom's cousin is a bitch when it comes down to racism. Anyone who's not Jewish sits at a different table during get togethers. They don't speak to us. They won't pass us food, drink, anything. I wouldn't wear the Yamulka, and I was thrown out of the house. I wasn't being racist, but I don't feel that I should have to conform to everyone elses beliefs or I'd be wearing the Yamulka, a Turban, a Pentagram, all while being crucified to a two-by-four. No thanks, I'll stick to my non-beliefs. She called me lazy once. Here's the kicker, she has no job, does absolutely nothing but complain about shit that isn't her business. Her husband is a lawyer. She doesn't need to work, so she keeps tabs on all of her relatives. Every single one of them. I told her to keep her nose out of my business, since it's mine, and since you don't give a shit about me. I now know what it's like to be "passed-over" at Pass-over. You'd think that at a holiday, you'd promote peace, and coexistance, not "fuck you, get your own food"

[Rapscallion]

Er, no - religion at its core is about separating a group of people from others by making them feel special that something incredible is about them or will happen to them. They are the chosen of god, so what makes them have to behave nice to others?

Rapscallion

[Aldous]

Raps, I do believe, and don't quote me on this, that every single religion has in it texts somewhere that being nice to people no matter what is what matters. Then again I don't listen to what people say, but I'm pretty sure the "golden rule" came from one of them. Don't mind me I'm just a peaceful, atheist, I don't try to know what's going on in the heads of religious people.

[Rapscallion]

Hmm - tried Thuggee? Nope - nothing about being nice to people in that one.

Rapscallion