Racism played a role in Elliot Rodger's Santa Barbara murder spree:

[decocker 7,198]

You are right that people that know the person are the ones that need to act. But, something sickens me about engaging with someone like this on the internet. If we were talking to these people in person, the behavior would be different, and I don't think many of us would engage with the person on the level we see on a forum.

I do see many people frustrated with racist and misogynist thinking online, but there seems there is nothing to do except get pot shots in. The whole internet itself is a means for these people to find eachother and justify their thoughts in a weird vacuum. And I don't like that.

what bothers me most is finding out that these guys exist. that they have their own little forums and want women in concentration camps for breeding. seriously. some god awful combo of years on white male priveledge and rape culture got us here.

when i in turn think about the preteenage girls in my life, with their obsessive self absorption, selfie addictions and inability to tap into actual emotion for fear of being tossed aside like an object..the internet doesn't seem to offer any sort of solution. probably the opposite.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

You are right that people that know the person are the ones that need to act. But, something sickens me about engaging with someone like this on the internet. If we were talking to these people in person, the behavior would be different, and I don't think many of us would engage with the person on the level we see on a forum.

I do see many people frustrated with racist and misogynist thinking online, but there seems there is nothing to do except get pot shots in. The whole internet itself is a means for these people to find eachother and justify their thoughts in a weird vacuum. And I don't like that.

That's because there's little if not nothing that can be done about this type of behavior when you're hiding behind a computer screen. I'd wager most of the folks that have these ideals don't speak/act this way in public.

sure, this kid was racist, but racism wasn't his motivation. so why is his racism even up for debate? shouldn't it matter more that a certain section of underbelly in white male america feels justified and driven to retaliate against women for their personal rejections? there were dudes rooting for the guy in one forum i read, plenty of likes for the elliot rodger fanpage, this tells me there are plenty of guys out there who believe women should be punished for simply having vaginas that they didn't share. it's obvious he went way beyond holding unfavorable views towards women, but calling out white women who go out with black men is a small wave in a sea of psycho.

Thanks for calling that out. Now, I'm really afraid...

[B_J 2,752]

Free speech is tricky. I've said this before, racism in today's world isn't what it used to be. Now it's private thoughts or opinions.

We discussed this before. I think the the racism in today's world (while not as bad as KKK "kill black people racism") is going to be very difficult to overcome. I probably don't think it is as common as you do but that's not the important part. What's important is how to defeat it.

I really do believe that conversations like we have here are important. People read what you and Janelle say and I really think it makes a positive difference. Without these conversations, people's opinions really would be cemented. If nothing else, these conversations get people to at least rethink their positions.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

what bothers me most is finding out that these guys exist. that they have their own little forums and want women in concentration camps for breeding. seriously. some god awful combo of years on white male priveledge and rape culture got us here.

when i in turn think about the preteenage girls in my life, with their obsessive self absorption, selfie addictions and inability to tap into actual emotion for fear of being tossed aside like an object..the internet doesn't seem to offer any sort of solution. probably the opposite.

Yes, which gets me thinking that the internet is unhealthy. Not that we can stop it, of course.

But this is part of why I will not sit back and let people post their sexism here without a fight. It is not merely "different opinions" nor is it about "being offended," though many here want to paint it that way.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

We discussed this before. I think the the racism in today's world (while not as bad as KKK "kill black people racism") is going to be very difficult to overcome. I probably don't think it is as common as you do but that's not the important part. What's important is how to defeat it.

I really do believe that conversations like we have here are important. People read what you and Janelle say and I really think it makes a positive difference. Without these conversations, people's opinions really would be cemented. If nothing else, these conversations get people to at least rethink their positions.

Conversations with you and a few others will do that. When you ask questions and try to gain an understanding about this, it works for everyone involved as long as you keep a cool head.

Yes, which gets me thinking that the internet is unhealthy. Not that we can stop it, of course.

But this is part of why I will not sit back and let people post their sexism here without a fight. It is not merely "different opinions" nor is it about "being offended," though many here want to paint it that way.

I agree. There's a difference between having thin skin, and being disrespected.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

what bothers me most is finding out that these guys exist. that they have their own little forums and want women in concentration camps for breeding. seriously. some god awful combo of years on white male priveledge and rape culture got us here.

when i in turn think about the preteenage girls in my life, with their obsessive self absorption, selfie addictions and inability to tap into actual emotion for fear of being tossed aside like an object..the internet doesn't seem to offer any sort of solution. probably the opposite.

I thought you said rap at first. And I found myself agreeing with that.

[decocker 7,198]

I thought you said rap at first. And I found myself agreeing with that.

rap doesn't take even the cake, it's just blatant (lyrically) in comparison with other genres.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

rap doesn't take even the cake, it's just blatant (lyrically) in comparison with other genres.

I know, guess that's just my sadness at where it's gone lately. I heard that song these **** aren't loyal and I shook my head.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I think what Janelle is trying to say is the reaction is different. About 2 years ago, right after one of the big shootings that took place, a white guy took went shopping with an AR-15 on his back in plain view. He was allowed in the store and bought what he needed and left. There's no way a black man would be able to do this without being arrested.

If a white guy walks into a gun store and buys a ton of ammo and weapons, he's being patriotic. If I did the same thing, I'd get a sideway glance.

On both counts you are assuming something based on Race, that may or may not be true. What you are doing is no different that what Danno did

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Young black men are about 3% of the population and commit almost 50% of the violent crime. That's just a stat right ? But yet you think I should treat one approaching me on the street with no more of a jaundiced eye than a 70 year old lady.

Here is what I am responding to. You always like to point out the percentage of crimes committed by black men therefore justifying your prejudices and biasedness towards blacks. Please be this judgmental towards whites as well.

I do not justify the crimes of others.

I freely admit I am prejudiced against young black males who from a certain category of appearance and behavior. I did not say I discriminate against them or I am racist

I was in line the other day with a full bird colonel who was super squared away. I made some prejudiced although favorable assumptions about him also as I did about some straggly looking drunk rednecks the other night at a convenience store.

[B_J 2,752]

I was in line the other day with a full bird colonel who was super squared away. I made some prejudiced although favorable assumptions about him also as I did about some straggly looking drunk rednecks the other night at a convenience store.

Racist both times.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Sorry you believe Al Sharpton speaks for all black people.

Another blind generalization that is meaningless.

Of course you have not. But it is unfortunate that many immigrants are. And just because you have not doesn't mean someone else has not told your wife this garbage.

Funny how you and Marvin get so worked up about blind generalizations, then go on to tell us how all immigrants are taught to distrust blacks, and the swat team would be on any black trying to buy a gun etc.

Pot calling Kettle... Ummm Stainless Steel

Racist both times.

Hardly. I made assumptions based on appearance and behavior.

[decocker 7,198]

I know, guess that's just my sadness at where it's gone lately. I heard that song these **** aren't loyal and I shook my head.

yeah, i could stomach that sort of thing much better when i was a teenager. you're right, it's just sad.

especially when you think about how many rappers put their mothers up on pedastals, while going through baby mommas like toilet paper. i wonder where that disconnect occurs and what we can do to avoid it..

Edited May 27, 2014 by val erie

[Karee 4,190]

I think everyone needs a hug. That would solve a lot of problems. There's not enough people hugging each other.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

yeah, i could stomach that sort of thing much better when i was a teenager. you're right, it's just sad.

especially when you think about how many rappers put their mothers up on pedastals, while going through baby mommas like toilet paper. i wonder where that disconnect occurs and what we can do to avoid it..

Somebody hack your account ??? Pedestal has an E. Not being rude, you know I like you it's just I am so anel about grammar