babble: common sense racism and common sense sexism

FAQ | Forum Home

»	babble » walking the talk » feminism » common sense racism and common sense sexism

Email this thread to someone!

Author

Topic: common sense racism and common sense sexism

Pride for Red Dolores
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12072

posted 18 February 2007 09:48 AM

The idea of "common sense" is that something is seen as so normal that it is not analyzed -because it has been taught as being so by the culture of sexism and racism that we have not only in this country of course but world wide.The result being of course actions and other things that are actually racist and horribly sexist are taken for granted as unchangeable and perfectly ordinary- and this is why social change is so slow, because most people are preconditioned to do nothing about something that is ordinary and acceptable.
This common sense is very frustrating when talking to people, because they don't even realize they are saying or doing something wrong and in some cases won't change their minds otherwise ( like the customer service manager I work with who refused to believe that what they did in Herouville was racist, sexist and looked at me for saying it like I was a crazy alien from outer space. my apologies for venting, its going of the topic somewhat).
Basically what I want to know is if you guys agree with me and if this reflects your experiences.

[ 18 February 2007: Message edited by: Pride for Red Dolores ]

From: Montreal | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

Lard Tunderin' Jeezus
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1275

posted 18 February 2007 09:56 AM

quote:
Basically what I want to know is if you guys agree with me and if this reflects your experiences.

Of course I agree with you - it's just common sense, isn't it?

From: ... | Registered: Aug 2001 | IP: Logged

Pride for Red Dolores
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12072

posted 18 February 2007 12:14 PM

how much do you do in your everyday life to break this common sense ? how ? when ?

[ 18 February 2007: Message edited by: Pride for Red Dolores ]

From: Montreal | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

siren
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7470

posted 18 February 2007 03:07 PM

I too find the apparently innocent and objective appeal to "common sense" frustrating.

People often do not realize that their appeals to common sense are based on the norms they have established with other like minded people -- based on gender, class, education, shared world view, history, etc.

For instance, 80 years ago and among some Canadians it was "common sense" that women should not have the vote. C'mon, use your common sense -- that's just giving 2 votes to married men!

I have not found a satisfactory way to deal with the common sensers of the world.

From: Of course we could have world peace! But where would be the profit in that? | Registered: Nov 2004 | IP: Logged

All times are Pacific Time

Hop To: