[Quarterback1]

I'm simply making this thread to provoke thought; I think it'd make an interesting discussion. Before I start, I want it to be known that I, like many of you, also think radical feminists today hold poisonous, deranged views. Views that simply promote hatred of the male gender.

I don't know about america, but being a black male myself, here in the UK, if a black person is racist to a white person, it is nervously laughed off. If the reverse happens, all hell breaks loose. Similarly, if a female is sexist to a male, it is nervously laughed off. If the reverse happens, all hell breaks loose.

These double standards are a product of history. The slave trade and the oppression of women, more specifically.

A major obvious flaw in history being used to justify the blind eye to "reverse" racism or sexism (I use the term reverse very loosely), is that the initial perpetrators are simply not alive anymore. They want to blame a whole race/gender for a sin committed by their ancestors. But some feel as though it is the current generations job to cleanse their ancestors of their sins by almost trying to "make it up" to the ancestors of those oppressed. But where does it end?

My question is, to what extent do you feel that history can be used as a justification of society showing more leniency towards one race/gender in relation to being racist/sexist?

[KorbenDallas]

There are already a lot of threads about this where forum members have expressed their opinions...But I'll answer your softball anyway.

to what extent do you feel that history can be used as a justification of society showing more leniency towards one race/gender in relation to being racist/sexist?

I'm just going to tackle the race issue. The answer is none. History can be used as a justification for no racism. Whites have been enslaved by Arabs and other whites for eternity....The Roman empire enslaved northern europeans for 1000 years. So, as a northern European do Italians owe me stuff now?

Don't think in terms of my ancestors had it rough, so, whites owe me leniency now. That's how losers think. Everyone's ancestors had it tough. The moment you start whining and seeing yourself as a victim is the moment your life starts heading no where.

Also, you said you feel as a black male society see's you differently than a white male. That's true. Just because you shouldn't think in terms of whites owing you something doesn't mean you can't use your blackness to your advantage. A lot of whites want to be seen as not racist. So, if you succeed and carry yourself well the world is your oyster. You might get opportunities a white male might not. Take advantage of those opportunities obviously! Be proud of your heritage.

To highlight how absurd your question is, what if it was worded like this. Because blacks killed and robbed the white minority in Zimbabwe, should we punish blacks more severely when they commit crimes in white majority countries?