Why Is Suarez's Racism Taboo?

I repeat - Could you please explain to me what this distinction is?

 

Cultural differences within a race of people such as calling Irish paddies or Aussies calling us poms is hardly comparable to what Suarez said to Evra. I've even heard scots called jocks. The main issue with both Suarez and possibly Terry is using the words to describe a black person with derogatory connotations. It's a really simple solution. Don't mention someone's race in a derogatory way when on the pitch because that is racism. Its not even an argument it's a fact. I am a bit saddened by the amount of coverage racism in football has gotten over the past season and it's a sad reflection on society when footballers can't even put their prejudices aside for 90mins. neither Suarez or Terry are obligated to like black people but when they are on that pitch you have to respect and obey basic moral principles. Its not really that hard is it?

 

Are you making this after I made my point. Seriously! you can not even see the distinction I am making (whether you agree with it or not) you can't see it!!! Then there is no point in having this conversation. Or are you claiming you have never done those things I mentioned in which case you must be a pious man and there really is no point in having this conversation.

 

He gave you a specific example and you have completely ignored him because he's right.
Racist say racist things.

 

Everybody says racist things. That alone doesn't make anyone a racist.

 

And i gave him quite a few counter examples to show why that comparism style doesn't always hold up. I am not claiming he is Racist or not I DON'T KNOW THE MAN - but it would take more than one comment in a heated football game for me to turn around and condemn him as a Racist for the rest of his life. If that was true 99.9999% of the world's population is racist to one group or the other by virtue of making or laughing at a race related joke, using a racist term in jest, hearing it used by someone and not reacting OR actually being a racist.

Again you don't have to agree with me but to blatantly deny the point I am making it just makes this a futile conversation. Note I am saying I need more to call him a racist I never said you couldn't (thats how grown ups have a conversation.)

 

Well it does if they constantly say it.

 

I believe it was 8 comments actually.

 

You said you know the distinction between a racist and someone who makes racist comments - you still have not explained.

What I am trying to say is the vast majority of us are racist but racism is not black or white (pardon the pun)

Yes I have found the funny side of racial stereotyping in the past and have myself made jokes about think paddies.

Does that mean I am or have been racist in the past - yes but I don't expalin it away or hide from it because the recipients of the humour weren't that outraged by it. That's the point - the level of racism is not judged by the person giving it but the person receiving it.

We are all naturally racist through natural selection, naturally predisposed if you like - we all wanted to live in the biggest cave and deride the occupants of the cave next door because it allowed us better to continue our gene pool.... That's why we follow a single football team, why we want england to win the euros and why we deride people who grew up in a different culture or nation.

Being raicist ain't as bad as people make out unless it annoys the people it is directed at and yes, in some small way, I and the vast majority of people on this planet are genetically racist.

 

Apologies 8 comments does make it worse but in an isolated incident. If he is racist I would ask why has he never said it before in any game, why haven't a 1000 people crawled out the media woodwork mentioning how racist he is (like happens in every other football scandal). Why haven't other black players in his own team or the rest of league said he isn't. Again I am not claiming he isn't I am trying to say i would need more to say he is. I know joey barton is a violent thug because he constantly proves it. I wouldn't say the same for Cantona based on the one incident.

Suarez has done work for the UN and other charitable organisations in Africa as an individual and as part of a football club Why would he?? He could just as easily done it in South America, if he was a racist. Look the man may be the worst human since Hitler for all I know but I am saying I would need a body of evidence to convict him. For example if he said nothing to anyone but went out and beat a black person half to death for being Black - one incident would be all it took this is a different case.

 

I am white

1) I have called someone a black bastard
2) I have called someone a bald headed bastard
3) I have called someone a 4 eyed bastard

All 3 above are usually when driving just after I have been cut up etc. If they are black, bald & wear glasses they could be called any of the 3 at random.

I am not a racist, but have used racist comments. Just as I am not a baldist or shortsightedist

 

I completely agree. Any parent who is relying on any celebrity to help raise their child should not be allowed to parent any more kids.

 

The black bastard might disagree if he'd heard you. One's opinion of oneself is hardly the gauge we should be looking at is it?

 

Apologies if I misrepresented my point but I am saying I see a distinction between a racist comment and being a racist. Okay racists will make racist comments I totally agree. But I don't believe someone who make a racist comment at an individual as a one off is necessarily racist. Is the language racist yes but does that mean he hates all black people - not necessarily.

I would agree with this but change racist to prejudice. I agree totally we are genetically predisposed as well as socially to find something we don't like and hold biased opinions towards that group.

I guess this where you and me have a fundamental disagreement finding the humor in a racist joke or remark I don't feel makes you a racist that word is something hard to shake off. Racist to me is defined by hate be it verbal or physical and it is a constant not something easily turned on and off it is something underlying in your core, can people change that? Yes! But the point of origin is much more deep-seated with far more venom that can be attributed to the odd joke or rare comment in anger.

I don't believe that in most cases you can truly know if a person is racist unless you know them, specifically the one's who don't wear it as a badge.

 

Total bollox. When you are angry you say whatever offensive comment comes in to your mind, doesn't make you a racist at all.

Even Suarez saying the N word 8 times doesn't necessarily make him a racist, it was all part of the same incident.

 

Bloddy grown up discussion for a football forum last time I got this serious was when the whole God debate broke out after people Prayed for Muamba. Do enjoy these though.

 

You are a racist if you don't like people of a certain race. But lets assume you work with people of that race amicably, does that mean that you are not racist ? No, because it isn't how you act or what you show externally that determines whether or not you are a racist.

People say stuff in anger that is contrary to how they are or their beliefs at all other times, when you are angry your intention is to hurt/offend the person you are angry with.

 

I agree with Hothead "racist say racist things" is a gross over simplification of the issues at hand.

 

Bingo!

 

Or maybe you just say what you really mean. This whole 'in the heat of the moment' bs doesn't wash really. If color has never been part of your persona it is highly unlikely it would be when you get mad.