It has recently come to my attention that not doing anything is the same as condoning it. For instance letting an inappropriate joke slide, or an offensive remark to go unchecked. If you see or hear something that is wrong you should cautiously do something about it. If you see or hear something you know is wrong, you should say that what you saw or heard was offensive and you want it to stop. In some cases you will find people to be apologetic and even regretful of their decision. It can be an embarrassing situation for them, but they will have learned a valuable lesson. In other cases you will be met with strong opposing bigotry (and you will find that in the world) but most moderate people will have to discover appropriate boundaries so it is important, no imperative, that if things offend you, let the people around you know it. Everyone has boundaries that they think are appropriate, and if you let things go unchecked then you repress your instincts to tell people your feelings. And let me tell you, repressing feelings is super unhealthy, please believe. Discussion is very healthy, and a lot of change comes from working out our differences without a billion dollar war.
In the UK racism is such a big problem with the police that they are now developing a test that tests how racist new cadets are before hiring them. After taking the test, "The programme then automatically calculates a "response-index" that indicates a level of racial bias."
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Thank you for your leadership speech -- it is VITAL that we stand up for another; friend or foe, loved one or stranger. If you see it, say it.
Regarding the UK race test, I think it is something that could be valuable here in the U.S., particularly because the numbers of minorities behind bars are disproportionate, and the first line of defense are the police officers (who may have used racial bias to make the arrest).
However, I find fault in limiting a person's career because they are racist. Sites like Epidermic can help to change the mind of those who are bigoted, or racist due to environmental forces. By not hiring them, many may be even further inclined to be racist ('cause now they are still unemployed). I say a clause of that test should be some sort of diversity training. Show what it is like to struggle as a minority in any country. I mean, if a community truly wants to rid their selves of racism, they will tackle it at its foundation, rather than simply dismissing those who may have never been approached with help.
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