Actions Speak Louder Then Words

Racism:
noun

1. a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

2. racial prejudice or discrimination


Prejudice:
noun


1.
a. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts
b. A preconceived preference or idea.


2. The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions.
3. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.
4. Detriment or injury caused to a person by the preconceived, unfavorable conviction of another or others.


Discrimination
noun


1. Treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice. 


Ok, now that we got that over with, and know what these things mean, lets talk about it. I don't think many people feel that they are "racist". After all, that's such an emotionally charged word. Lets break it down a little bit, though. Has anyone ever heard, or told a "harmless" racial joke? Wouldn't that be perpetuating a preconceived notion without examination of the facts? When faced with the black and white (no pun intended) of what these words mean, doesn't it challenge you even a little bit? Does it make you think a little bit about the things that come out of your mouth? If you say you aren't  racist/prejudice and make comments based on an assumption about a particular group of people because of their race or religion, aren't you saying one thing and doing another? If people hear you saying one thing when you claim to be another, I'm sure your actions will speak louder then what/who you claim to be.
I'm not trying to be overly sensitive, but I'm really just trying to see things from another point of view. I've never had a comment made to me because of my skin pigment, and I can't imagine how I'd feel if that were to happen. So I'm trying to open my mind and heart to the feelings of others. I'm trying to examine the words that come out of my mouth, and what I feel in my heart. I want to make sure those things match up. I'd like to challenge you to do the same. Regardless of whether you agree with things I say or not, I really hope you can take something away from it. I hope it will make you think a little bit, perhaps you will examine your own life, or maybe just take a moment to think about others.
This will be my last post on the subject. I don't want to dwell, I just wanted to share the thoughts I've had since I last posted.