Racial prejudice and hatred...

[Cmonster]

Sandy, you're not Caucasian? If so how did this guy know about it?

I figured this would come up, so I'll explain even though it really doesn't matter. My father is Sicilian and my mother was from Spain. I'm not really exactly sure what to "officially" classify myself as color-wise, but I've always thought of myself as someone who definitely isn't white. My skin is not white by any stretch of the imagination. It's more of an olive/golden brown color. The racial slurs that this person called me were Hispanic in nature... Again, not that it matters. Racism is racism.

SC

[Mikey]

My father is Sicilian and my mother was from Spain. I'm not really exactly sure what to "officially" classify myself as color-wise, but I've always thought of myself as someone who definitely isn't white.
SC

Back in the 70's (I think) the US census bureau tried to sneak in a new catagory for race called "white ethnic"

It mostly covered Eastern and Southern Europeans,

That didn't last very long.

So no matter what color your skin is Sandy, the US gov calls you white.

Not that it matters ... just wanted to throw out some trivia

[toys2cool]

I figured this would come up, so I'll explain even though it really doesn't matter. My father is Sicilian and my mother was from Spain. I'm not really exactly sure what to "officially" classify myself as color-wise, but I've always thought of myself as someone who definitely isn't white. My skin is not white by any stretch of the imagination. It's more of an olive/golden brown color. The racial slurs that this person called me were Hispanic in nature... Again, not that it matters. Racism is racism.

SC

i know it doesn't matter but I thought you were Hispanic, I thought maybe Puerto Rican or something, I also have family from Spain but don't sweat it bro, I'm sure it won't be your last time hearing something like that...

[babycyclops]

Screw the racists.
Comments like that are all about exclusion. Sandy, you are a vibrant and creative person, who contributes to the world around you. This person sounds like a twerp, with nothing to contribute, and whose only power comes from deciding who is in, and who is out.

[Cmonster]

This person sounds like a twerp, with nothing to contribute, and whose only power comes from deciding who is in, and who is out.

Wow. You know something, Kosta... For someone literally a half a world away from the problem, you seem to have hit the nail on the head pretty perfectly I would say.

SC

[babycyclops]

Wow. You know something, Kosta... For someone literally a half a world away from the problem, you seem to have hit the nail on the head pretty perfectly I would say.

SC

Unfortunately, I know the type, bro.
Suckers like that don't deserve to be associated with you.

[jessica]

It's tough when you have to go through something like that. The best you can do is walk away. It's rougher and sadder if it's from your own family.

[SUP-Ronin]

Ignorance is everywhere and affects everyone - sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly. Today you were affected directly. The best thing you can do is take the high road. The next best thing you could do was immediately walk into the room and thank him for clarifying what a crappy bunch of people they are, and now you know you don't have to waste anymore of your time dealing with them. Since the comment wasn't meant for your ears, it probably would have at least made him feel like an idiot. If not, they weren't worth your time in anyway.

[callistofreak]

Folks,
we don't see it here because were all friends, and collectors.
But, I'm a truck driver.
And all you have to do is turn on the CB radio, and you will hear that racism is alive and well...
This is why I never turn it on.

[kingdom warrior]

Sorry to hear this Sandy that's awful, but you know the Biz how some Awipes can be. Sadly racism has gone more underground where people do things behind your back not in your face.

Been down that road professionally as well I'm light skinned with thin fine hair.

so most people when they don't know me don't know where I'm from until they see my last name Rodriguez

then it's Oh I didn't know you were spanish? you don't sound spanish? Grrrrrr!

[Hector]

Sorry about that Sandy. Where was your baseball at the time?

Although I have also experienced similar stuff...I brush it off kinda effectively...because I myself have a superiority-complex...I see myself as a God...and most people as amoebas...lol.

Seriously though...we all crap the same crap...that's why the whole thing is so silly to me.

[johnmiic]

I figured this would come up, so I'll explain even though it really doesn't matter. My father is Sicilian and my mother was from Spain...The racial slurs that this person called me were Hispanic in nature... Again, not that it matters. Racism is racism.

SC

True. Thank You for sharing that with us. From your pics you looked white to me and your last name sounded Italian. Thing is if you're American, you're American. I don't see the problem people would have. (And here I thought you were perhaps Atlantean due to your diving skills).

[SUP-Ronin]

I've met people form all over the world and I have yet to encounter a race which doesn't have its lions share of idiots, morons, and ignorant buffoons.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

Hard to fathom that with all of the 21st century changes in society and the fact that we can all communicate with each other whenever we want, that racism can continue to perpetuate.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I also hate discrimination. In fact, I used to teach anti-discrimination in corporate environments. It is quite a challenge to get people to reach in and recognise and try to change what is often deeply ingrained in their belief system.

Anyway, it disgusts me and I am sorry that happened to you Sandy.