re: "In the cafeteria, the blacks stayed to themselves, as did the Whites. nobody forced it or encouraged it, it just happened naturally."
It still happens. Just look how often girls sit with girls, and boys with boys - despite the old feminist mantra that boys and girls are just the same. Raider fans view themselves as different from 49er fans. Jets hate Sharks. Yale thinks it's better than Harvard. Republicans think they're smarter than and different from Democrats. Heterosexuals are uncomfortable around gays. I think my kids are better than YOUR kids. And virtually every country, every nationality, every religion, thinks that it is the best / most correct / blessed one.
Everybody does this. It may be nonsensical from a purely intellectual standpoint. It's obviously unfair since it writes off people's individuality. On the other hand, it is also a survival mechanism that has benefited people for millions of years. Human beings are most comfortable with and trusting of those who are most like themselves.
This is a touchy subject that overwhelms many people. On another forum, one where I am no longer welcomed, I once said "I'm less of a racist than most." - while also making the points that "Prejudice is part of being human." and "I believe people should be treated as individuals." #msg-699514
All that a certain small-minded individual took away from my post was "By your own words you have declared that you are a bigot and a racist." #msg-715183
Oh well. It's tough to make headway with folks who, by intention, are intellectually dishonest.
Gold is $1,581/oz today. When it hits $2,000, it will be up 26.5%. Let's see how long that takes. - De 3/11/2013 - ANSWER: 7 Years, 5 Months
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