You Might Be a Racist if....

Yesterday, former President Jimmy Carter made the provocative claim about the inherent racism that has come to the forefront of a large portion of President Obama's opposition. Now, the word "racist" has been flung far and wide - most recently by the likes of Glenn Beck and his ilk who want to make it seem like a half white/half black man raised primarily by his white relatives is, indeed, a racist who hates white people. And of course now, Glenn Beck and his ilk want to feign shock of the use of this word by another President - someone from the Deep South who has a perspective on race relations between the prevailing majority of that region (conservative whites) against certain (or all) minorities.

"He called us intolerant?? Well that's intolerance!"

The outrage, of course, is idiotic but it does have the specific purpose of stealing the thunder of those who might have a legitimate complaint about the way they've been handling themselves both before and since the election.

It's rather justifying to point out the racism in another person rather than deal with our own feelings of xenophobia, no matter how subtly ingrained. Project, rather than own.

Because the majority of us would like to think that we're not racist in the least, those who are operating under these misguided viewpoints are the least likely to own that behavior. There are those who will flat out tell you that they're a racist and exactly why they hate as they do, but they're generally in the minority. They're a scary bunch, but at least they're honest and you know what you're dealing with.

It's the other crowd, the pious and usually the most vehement in their claims of "tolerance", that you need to look out for.

But... let's just say for the sake of argument, that these fine folks don't actually know how dangerous or delusional their point of view is. Their indignation is genuine, and they feel extremely persecuted by the comments of former President Carter and others on the Left who have been pointing fingers of accusation since before the election.

Some would have you believe that any anti-Obama criticism is racially motivated, and I don't agree that is true. You can criticize Obama just like you can criticize any leader; just make sure that what you criticize is based on what he does or says, and not on who he is.

Criticizing the President because of his policy: fine.

Criticizing (or fearing or even hating) the President because he's "not one of us": tricky territory.

Because it's such a gray area, I decided to create this handy-dandy little guide for your edification. If you don't like it, don't argue with me. The definition of "racism" includes: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability, and that a particular race is superior to others, as well as discrimination especially on the basis of race or religion.

So in other words, if you've used his race or some perceived religion as a derogatory slam against him... you might be a racist.

If you used the fact he is a mixed race individual to either vote for or against him, in whole or in part... you might be a racist.

If you fear now that he has been elected he has some "racial scores" to settle and will do that with white oppressive policy...you might be a racist.

If you've ever forwarded an email of the President's picture as a black space with just two bugged out cartoonish white eyes... (and laughed while you did so)... you might be a racist.

If you've ever forwarded a picture of Air Force One with the number ID "NI66ER" on it... (and laughed while you did so)... you might be a racist.

If you've ever passed on photos of the President in either a Turban, in African tribal wear or with Don King type hair... you might be a racist.

If you still maintain that President Obama could not be "American" and is instead "African", no matter how many times it has been proven otherwise... you might be a racist.

If you show up to where he speaks packing heat to "water the tree of liberty" or decided to stockpile an arsenal since the first black president was elected because you're scared sh*tless someone who isn't like you has some control ... you might be a racist.

If you own or wear any article of clothing that says, "N*gger Please! It's the WHITE House"... you might be a racist.

If you still maintain that anyone with the name Hussein must be Muslim and refuse to believe otherwise even though it's been thoroughly and soundly debunked, and use that as a primary reason to distrust/dislike him... you might be a racist.

If you've ever likened Michelle Obama to a gorilla... you might be a racist.

If you decide to be the first ever Congressman to break your own rules of protocol to disrespect the office of the President, while your buddy twiddles away on his blackberry, to make a not so subtle stand that he is NOT a leader you respect or need to honor... turning the halls of Congress into a virtual Mel Brooks movie...you might be a racist.



This is especially true if the Congressman in question belongs to an organization like the Sons of Confederate Veterans, who have fanatical, racist factions).

If you ever burned your Dixie Chicks CDs because they made a comment disparaging the sacred office of the President of the United States, but have sent money to support said Congressman who broke protocol to disrespect the President during a nationwide speech addressing the American people while actually on the floor of Congress... you might be a racist.

If you believe that having any system set up to provide health care to those who need it is scary and wrong because it may by some chance possibly happen to cover by some loophole those from other countries (i.e. people of different races) and therefore is an evil thing that has to be stopped... you might be a racist.

If you believe the only reason that a Harvard educated politician with years of leadership and Congressional experience under his belt could only be explained by the fact he's a black man and therefore black people voted for him... you might be a racist.

If any of the above applies OR you support any leaders/talking heads to which any of the scenarios above apply AND you've gone on the major defensive of *disproving* your racism by spotlighting the rare black person who shares your point of view... you might be a racist.

If you think that because of his associations President Obama isn't going to protect White America and in fact see his race as a threat to your individual rights...you might be a racist.

If you're wanting to use any of the fear/anger from the above actions to lose your ever loving mind in terms of wanting to revolt from your own government and behave in a way that you would have soundly disapproved had it been the last 27 presidents in office... you might be a racist.

And if you're pissed off at me because you've seen yourself in any of these scenarios.... you might be a racist.

Bottom line. If you have to create a reason for your hysteria, this irrational fear of what he will do not based on anything he has done, which he can control - but what you suspect he might do simply because of something he cannot control (his race)... that is what's racist.

So. Hope that helps. I know it's rather tough to swallow but, the first step is admitting the problem.