Where do you draw the line btw real life and compromise?

Give me some more variables to work with and I'll derive a better formula.

Believe me I had a website about me when I was in high school, all because I punched a guy that was persecuting me.

How does this work? It sounds like a pretty reductive idea of Buddhism.

I wonder if I'm going in the right direction, but anyway: I admit, Sammy, that tis a tempting idea, but can you realistically deprive yourself for very long? Too, as you work with various races on a daily basis, so wouldn't this include scaling down your classes, or not leaving your house to avoid any potential sexists/racists? It would only be possible if you lived on an island, I think. Human nature can only take solitude for so long, before you yearn to hear another human voice....

I think that inclination is correct - whether they be racist or just plain assholes. I think you have to put up with a little bit of this shit because it's just part of reality.. not that it's an acceptable thing, but there's only so much you can do to change it. So there's something to be said for shrugging it off and realizing that it's *they* that have the problem.

But it does get tiring, I'm sure. And sometimes you need to get clear of that negative energy...

So I don't think you're going to find a formula .. when you get fed up, build up the walls - or fight back. When you're ready to face the bullshit again, get back to it. Go with your feelings at the time.

It's not only racism that this applies to.. any differences in attitudes, lifestyles, philosophies, etc can make you feel this way. Racism is probably the most despicable and inexcusable, but it exists and it's not going to go away very quickly.

I moved house a few months back, and after a few tries I found a local pub I really liked, to which I go for football matches that are pay-per-view on TV. Last time I was in there, a number of the regulars kept shouting things like "You black cunt" at the players on the TV - their own team's players as much as the opposition. I obviously looked disapproving, because someone 'explained', "We aren't being racist, mate. We don't say things like that when any of them are in here. We just like to call them black cunts." I said that it still sounded like racism to me, but didn't get into an argument about it - I mean, there were like ten regulars who seemed into all this, and pretty much all of them were bigger than me, so feel free to call me a coward as that was the real reason. Nonetheless, they did stop doing it after that conversation, but I imagine it will have restarted next time I'm in there. I'd consider going elsewhere if I really thought it would be any different.

(xpost) btw the reason that I say that Buddhist comment is because I/we prefer to look past the races of people, and just look at their inner selves. Although I try hard to realize a pre-emptive comment that might be conjured up by clashing of my friends, etc. and keep those friends away from eachother, not holding any racism myself towards either one.

However, it is perfectly understandable that you would rather leave the pub than get your head kicked in by assholes. I figure that's a perfectly reasonable place to draw the lines, and I wouldn't have even got as far as talking to them, truth be told.

When I hear people saying things I disagree with, I seethe quietly and make a decision not to be friends with them. I'm not strong enough to try and change people's minds, and I'm glad there are people like Martin who will try.

And you all say very reasonable things.

Stereotypical but true...

The bar owner and many of the older customers are very racist. Blacks and Mexicans aren't made to feel welcome at all (b/c they aren't) and he and had a very heated discussion as to how Mexicans are flawed on the inside and therefore not as reliable or intelligent as white people. (his ideas, not mine.)

obviously this upset me greatly and I stormed out. I love many of the people at this bar and in general avoid conversations that I know will upset me. I know I can't change their minds. Also I desperately need the extra income so can't really afford to let my prinicples take the lead here.

very frustrating.

Let me link you up: I'm sorry I can't find it but I saw it on television one day. He was extremely good at everything he did, and people made fun of him constantly, especially with cruel jokes like these:

http://www.joecasaletto.com/jokes/quadriplegic.htm

I wish that I could find pictures and a story. Sorry. I'll look again later. Better go post that I couldn't find it in the "What was the latest thing that you couldn't find on the Internet" post.