Comments on: Telling People I’m a Racist

By: Keith Pedrani

Keith Pedrani — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:50:18 +0000

I remember originally viewing this post last spring when I took this class and discussing throughout the semester how important it is that others take the same leap that Kristin so boldly did. Admitting to yourself that you could be or that you are a racist is difficult enough, let alone admitting something so damning in any type of social setting. On a personal level, it is difficult to admit to yourself that you could be capable of such thoughts or that you enjoy advantages because of your race and/or gender. On a social level…well you saw what Connie wrote in the previous comment. It is truly a horrible thing in our society to be called a racist, so to label yourself as such doesn’t seem to make much sense. It is important to remember, however, that it is OK to be racist. To admit you are racist is not admitting to being a hateful person, but rather admitting that you are an ignorant person. By admitting you are a racist and taking this class shows that you are willing to do something about your ignorance. Admission is merely one of many steps towards engaging in constructive and meaningful dialogue about racism. Without this initial acknowledgment of your own biases, the personal and intellectual growth necessary to begin truly understanding the issues at hand will simply not happen.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:47 +0000

Good for you Kristin! This is exactly the kind of response we need to see in classes at Muhlenberg in order to get people more comfortable in taking about the issue of racism as it affects our lives on campus. If I were you I would consider talking to this professor privately to find out why he did not want to expand on this conversation.

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 07:24:28 +0000

Hi Kristin! I am so excited that this happened because it clearly showed that you are becoming so much more comfortable with your understanding of racism – enough to speak up in class about it! The very situation in which you were the only person in the class to raise your hand speaks volumes about how effective this class has been, as well as how far there is still to go – as demonstrated by the lack of response from the rest of the class. I was very surprised to hear about the response from the professor, as I value [his/her discipline] as a discipline that engages in discussions such as these.

By: liz

liz — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 01:37:31 +0000

go Kristin !! I think it is very important and very brave of you to do that. And I agree with Tennille it is very difficult to do but its a great opportunity for other students to follow and hopefully open up and start talking about this.

By: Tennille

Tennille — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:52:06 +0000

I think it is important to remember that everyone is afraid to talk about race. It’s not comfortable for anyone; however, you stepping up and saying something to the class gives others a chance to open up, learn, and respond to any comments you made or discussions you provoked. If there is one thing that we as individuals can do to reduce racism and prejudice, it is to talk about it. You should be proud that you were willing to put yourself out there to expand your knowledge to your other classmates.