[MMM]

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

I'm starting to see that on this forum, I'll always fail. At least, in the eyes of its members. I'm not sure, but I think that most of its members are white. Meaning that most of its members have privilege. Like I said, people with privilege will most likely defend racism. Hey, that's the system that allows them to live life in society so brilliantly while people who are oppressed - well, fail.

I am not sure why you see it as a contest. I thought it was a discussion. And actually there are a quite a few black members on this forum. If being white makes my opinion less valuable, then so be it. However, don't call me a racist. If you want to find failure in your argument there it is.

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

Just curious, and this is a question for MMM also: have you ever studied race relations? It doesn't matter for which country. Seriously, I'm not trying to put you down, not trying to say "WELL I HAVE SO OMG I'M SMARTER THAN YOU." I'm just curious.

Absolutely, and probably before you were even born. I am not sure what difference it makes, and I am not going to pull the degrees down off my wall to show why I am right and you are wrong. There are plenty of people who will have a pi$$ing contest with you, but I am not one of them.

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

If not, then I really suggest that you do. It's amazing how subtle racism has become. (The most prominent example is the experiment with black children and dolls, and asking them which dolls are prettier, and them replying the white ones.) Like I said before, it's something that effects every nation that has any type of media.

In another way of thinking, it's amazing how unacceptable racism has become in mainstream media, independent media and in basic human relations. But that is really off topic. We were talking about Japan and perceptions of skin color.

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

Someone recounted to me a story of them being in Japan and seeing a black girl be called a slave in an argument. I personally feel that people in Japan know who black people are - know black peoples history. I think that in the past, Japanese people have taken some Western ideas of black people that are inherently racist. That's really all I'm saying.

Sure some people do. A very fundamental understanding.

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

Also, I think it's just a little silly to try and disprove the idea of "white skin is better than dark skin" as being racist. It's fine to like white skin and say that it is just as beautiful to dark skin. Saying that it's better is racist. The definition of racism. I'm a little upset at myself that I've been arguing that basic point for so long.

Here's the problem. you are making the assumption that if a Japanese woman prefers not to get tan and prefers a lighter tone to her skin than a darker tone that it has something to do with white people and black people. That is a little like saying if I choose an orange car over a red car I must like carrots more than apples. Again (well, maybe I shouldn't say "again" because you stop reading my last explanation) in an essentially mono-racial society light and dark isn't always about white people and black people.

If a black person in New York likes to eat Chinese food, it doesn't mean he hates Koreans.