Racists Amongst Us

[Proud]

Last Sunday, I was visiting some friends and they started making all these ignorant comments about the Miss Garifuna Pageant. Saying that the "Girls are too black to be pretty".........."Garifuna girls are ugly"..............and all this other nonsense. I am so disgusted and tired of these racist remarks. I am truly speechless and sad.

[RudeGyal]

i agree with the comments and it don't make me a racist only prejudice. every has prejudice and preferences.

[dre]

I did not wanted to give credence to this topic because I believe its a waste of time. But I believe Rudegyal comments needs to be responded to.

This is the definition given in the dictionary for Racism, which makes a racist: rac·ism( P ) Pronunciation Key (rszm) n. 1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or PREJUDICE based on race.

prej·u·dice ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prj-ds)
n. 1. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. 2. A preconceived preference or idea.

Assuming that you've seen many Garifuna girls, your judgment is not based on beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. It is based on personal experience. And regardless if it wasn't, it still makes you racist. Face your future.

I did not attend the Garifuna Pageant. But most people have the preconceived idea that its a beauty pageant. Its not. So the most beautiful person according to what society rate beauty will not win nor do they particpate. Its a shame because there are beautiful Garifuna girls out there, but I believe most are a shame to be considered Garifuna. Why's that? Only them and thier parents know. So they do not volunteer to participate in Garifuna Functions.

Its cool to say you have preferences. Having preferences do not make you a racist. For example, I perfer to have sexual relations with a woman than with a man. But at the same time I do not hold nothing against a man wanting to sleep with another man. I may think its wrong, but still I believe everyone has a right to do what they want to as long it don't hurt some one else.

But to judge an entire group of people in a negative manner is considered being prejudice and by doing that you are classified as a racist.

Accept what you see in the mirror. You are not only rude, which you already accept. But YOU ARE ALSO A RACIST!

[Melody]

Yes it is a waste of time to respond to ignorant, racist comments, because any smart person knows that it doesn't make sense at all.

"Its a shame because there are beautiful Garifuna girls out there, but I believe most are a shame to be considered Garifuna. Why's that? Only them and thier parents know. So they do not volunteer to participate in Garifuna Functions." originally posted by dre.

I have seen some very attractive Garifuna girls too and I think that most of the girls in the Pageant were pretty too.

Other than that, I cannot say much, but that this type of hatred has been going on with Black people (or African Decendants) for a long time. People of lighter skin complexions and silkier hair types are favored over the ones with coarse hair, dark skin and strong [West] African features. This happens in all races especially in Latin countries and Southeast Asia.

I think that it just one of those things that come with life and that a forum discussion probably won't change or help the problem.

[The Empress]

Well I haven't been inclined to post anything but I guess in love and unity for the Garifuna nation during this 19th season I will respond. I believe that those types of beliefs are made out of ignorance and prejudice. Putting all garifuna people in a box is like saying all black people look alike. Garifuna people like other black people come in all different shades and sizes. Anyone who thinks differently is merely ignorant, I don't think it has anything to do with "beautiful" Garifuna women being ashamed it is that nobody needs to paste I AM GARIFUNA on their forehead. I've heard and experienced non-garifuna men talk about how ugly Garifuna girls are and the next minute trying to get at a Garifuna girl and not realizing what she is. So silly these comments however even being able to rationalize it still hurts that people could spout such negative and stupid comments about a race that is so beautiful and unique. As a Garifuna Empress I lift up my head high and proud of who I am and with BEAUTY and GRACE. Sorry for you rudegyal, I mean ignorantgyal

[Melody]

That was a good post, Empress

I have experienced some of my Belizean associates make racist comments about Garifuna people. Its a messed thing to sit there and hear people make racist comments. Then they try to make me feel guilty for being open to Garifuna people and their music. Everyone knows I am American, but they still try to make me choose sides. I have had a guy discriminate against me for associating with Garifunas. Sometimes I just avoid mentioning anything Garifuna to avoid hearing stupid comments. Some of my Creole associates are ignorant. They are cool and some are really good influences and support me, but I really don't like them trying to make me feel ashamed for not having racist views. I have heard some way out stuff from Creole people and sometimes I wonder if it is cause to terminate association because of these shallow and negative comments.

[Miss Wifey]

Tomorrow, Nov. 19th, is Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize! All Belizeans of all ethnicities will be celebrating the rich and proud culture of the Garifunas.

HAPPY GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY!

[Sam]

I think a lot of people in Belize are undercover racist. They don't say the "n" word and the call Garifunas "36", but we all know ,and for me coming from SCA, people are divided. Let's face it, Black people are a scorned race, the more "black" you are, the less oppurtunities you get. The world is very eurocentric and belize is no different.