Quote:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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See.. now you're just being paranoid and irrational.
I notice you haven't even addressed the point I've made.
But I'll address yours
-Yes I have studied race relations. I don't think there's a high school student who hasn't studied race relations in New Zealand.
-Your comment on the subtlety of racism is valid... but you have to be able to connect racism to the phenomena in question.
YOU HAVE FAILED TO DO SO. The only thing you've been able to do is suggest a connection. But please... back yourself up or don't comment at all. I mean I'm aware of the subtle forms racism can take... but unless you can make such connections then you just sound like a raving lunatic who blames racism for everything.
-I too assume that Japan is aware of the black community in the United States, how it came about, and the at times uneasy relationship between ethnic groups in various places. Again you haven't made any connection between portrayal of black people in the Japanese media and their perceptions of beauty. Just implied that one exists.
-MMM dealt with your final point with the carrots/apples analogy. (Not that he hasn't dealt with the other points you made... I just prefer to counter differently)
Bottom line is that we're willing to listen to you if you can give us a good reason to. But at the moment your explanation simply doesn't wash.
I'm not qualified to say this but I do remember a thread on here in which it was revealed (by a respected forum member who has intimate knowledge of Japan) that Japanese people tend to not even compare themselves with those of other races when it comes to beauty.