Does this make me a racist

[Omeletpants]

So, I go over to BB to buy a USB Hub. In the computer section there are 3 guys: Black, Indian and white. Immediately assume I need to talk to the Indian guy as he would have superior knowledge. I start asking him about hubs and he has zero clue what Im talking about. Says he wouldn't know because he has a windows based computer not a Mac. Huh?

So, why did I assume that the Indian guy would have superior knowledge on tech related subject? For all I know he could have designed USB Hubs in his spare time or a Platiunum Oracle or SAP consultant. No, he was just a normal nitiwt that knew less about computers than me.....which should scare everyone

So, was I a racist or just cool guy?

 

[Jntg4]

Not racist

 

[HeHateMe]

It doesn't make you racist, but the fact that you go to Best Buy makes me question your intellect.

 

[Mr. Cub]

Just stereotyping. In a good way, I guess. But you were wrong haha

 

[brett05]

Just stereotyping

 

[zack54attack]

Verdict is...





Not racist.

 

[Crystallas]

Just stereotyping

/thread

 

[FrenchieBully]

So, I go over to BB to buy a USB Hub. In the computer section there are 3 guys: Black, Indian and white. Immediately assume I need to talk to the Indian guy as he would have superior knowledge. I start asking him about hubs and he has zero clue what Im talking about. Says he wouldn't know because he has a windows based computer not a Mac. Huh?

So, why did I assume that the Indian guy would have superior knowledge on tech related subject? For all I know he could have designed USB Hubs in his spare time or a Platiunum Oracle or SAP consultant. No, he was just a normal nitiwt that knew less about computers than me.....which should scare everyone

So, was I a racist or just cool guy?

 

[botfly10]

I think you know the answer.

(btw, its yes - basically the very definition of racism)

 

[botfly10]

Just stereotyping

Stereotyping based on race/ethnicity is the very definition of racism

 

[botfly10]

Geez, nobody sees this as racism? Cause thats what it is.

I think this is a good example of where the public discourse surrounding racism is so fucked.

The topic is so charged and hysterical that there isn't room for examining the low level, background racism that everybody engages in.

With a benign example like this nobody wants to call it racism even though thats what it is. The term just comes with too much baggage and hysteria for a thing this harmless. But really, this is the level of racism where its actually productive to engage in discourse.

 

[X]

Geez, nobody sees this as racism? Cause thats what it is.

I think this is a good example of where the public discourse surrounding racism is so fucked.

The topic is so charged and hysterical that there isn't room for examining the low level, background racism that everybody engages in.

With a benign example like this nobody wants to call it racism even though thats what it is. The term just comes with too much baggage and hysteria for a thing this harmless. But really, this is the level of racism where its actually productive to engage in discourse.

Technically, you're correct.

From teh googlez:

[h=3]rac·ism[/h]/ˈrāˌsizəm/
Noun

1. The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, esp. so as to distinguish it as...
2. Prejudice or discrimination directed against someone of a different race based on such a belief.

I think the difference is that racism typically carries a negative connotation used to belittle someone of a different race...as #2 states above.

What the OP did may constitute as racism, but it wasn't in an attempt to demean the race. Was it racism? maybe. Does it make him an asshole? no.

 

[botfly10]

Well, its important to recognize that much of modern racism comes from stereotypes that are rooted in reality.

Its not like the days when people thought africans were a genetically inferior race with smaller brains and shit.

But it is a paradox that has to be grappled with... populations vs the individual.

Some level of generalization is absolutely necessary when talking about populations. However, when interacting with an individual, you have to give them space to deviate from their racial identity.

But yeah, the paradox between the population/culture/ethnicity and the individual is real and always present in modern society. Its not an issue with a solution or answer. Rather its an awareness that needs to be cultivated.

 

[Crystallas]

I think most of us are grading on a curve here. Everyone is racist to some extent(at least I have never met a person in my entire life that was 0% racist from any group). I don't even know why we bother with pointing out racism, when the better use of energy should be focused on bigotry.

 

[ShiftyDevil]

So, I go over to BB to buy a USB Hub. In the computer section there are 3 guys: Black, Indian and white. Immediately assume I need to talk to the Indian guy as he would have superior knowledge. I start asking him about hubs and he has zero clue what Im talking about. Says he wouldn't know because he has a windows based computer not a Mac. Huh?

So, why did I assume that the Indian guy would have superior knowledge on tech related subject? For all I know he could have designed USB Hubs in his spare time or a Platiunum Oracle or SAP consultant. No, he was just a normal nitiwt that knew less about computers than me.....which should scare everyone

So, was I a racist or just cool guy?

Oracle? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.......

Oh my god.

Oracle hasn't had their shit together since the early 2000's

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Stereotyping based on race/ethnicity is the very definition of racism

I'm going to take issue with this, and I apologize if this has been answered below:

I had a teacher, in high school no less, say that 7-11 and convenience store owners are typically Indian because it takes a lot of hard work to own those businesses and Indians are typically hard working people. That is stereotyping a race/ethnicity, but in a positive light - so would you consider that racism?

It's funny to me that when stereotypes are positive - blacks are great athletes, Asians are great at math, Hispanics are hard workers - nobody would argue against these things - nor ever call somebody a racist for saying those things, but if the stereotypes are negatives (and I'm not going to belabor the point of what those could be) that the person is a racist. It's a very shitty two way street here.

Maybe I'm misreading the context of what you're saying, but this is something that bothers me.

As for the OP (and I'm 100% convinced that this story is not true) if you want to argue that he is being racist towards the black and white person because they could not possibly know as much as the Indian guy - then sure. I guess.

 

[X]

I'm going to take issue with this, and I apologize if this has been answered below:

I had a teacher, in high school no less, say that 7-11 and convenience store owners are typically Indian because it takes a lot of hard work to own those businesses and Indians are typically hard working people. That is stereotyping a race/ethnicity, but in a positive light - so would you consider that racism?

It's funny to me that when stereotypes are positive - blacks are great athletes, Asians are great at math, Hispanics are hard workers - nobody would argue against these things - nor ever call somebody a racist for saying those things, but if the stereotypes are negatives (and I'm not going to belabor the point of what those could be) that the person is a racist. It's a very shitty two way street here.

Maybe I'm misreading the context of what you're saying, but this is something that bothers me.

As for the OP (and I'm 100% convinced that this story is not true) if you want to argue that he is being racist towards the black and white person because they could not possibly know as much as the Indian guy - then sure. I guess.

 

[Nail Polish]

Verdict is..

Not Racist..

Just Smart

 

[malcore]

OP's mistake was assuming he would receive help at Best Buy. Just picked Crystallas's brain in another thread in regards to USB hubs, then feels the need for assistance from a Best Buy employee? One goes to Best Buy for the price, not information.

Not racist. Just dumb.

 

[Omeletpants]

I'm going to take issue with this, and I apologize if this has been answered below:

I had a teacher, in high school no less, say that 7-11 and convenience store owners are typically Indian because it takes a lot of hard work to own those businesses and Indians are typically hard working people. That is stereotyping a race/ethnicity, but in a positive light - so would you consider that racism?

It's funny to me that when stereotypes are positive - blacks are great athletes, Asians are great at math, Hispanics are hard workers - nobody would argue against these things - nor ever call somebody a racist for saying those things, but if the stereotypes are negatives (and I'm not going to belabor the point of what those could be) that the person is a racist. It's a very shitty two way street here.

Maybe I'm misreading the context of what you're saying, but this is something that bothers me.

As for the OP (and I'm 100% convinced that this story is not true) if you want to argue that he is being racist towards the black and white person because they could not possibly know as much as the Indian guy - then sure. I guess.

What do you mean the story isn't true. The night before I asked on this forum a question about USB Hubs. Then the next day I go out to buy a usb hub. Take the dick out of your mouth and put the two together

Another observation for those of you without a dick in your mouth: I'm really surprised by the lack of choice at BB stores. While they have unlimited choices on their website their stores don't offer much choice. Only has 2 kinds of USB hubs and only two kinds of protective cases for iPads.Is that racist for me to say that?