Albert Memmi’s definition of a racist attitude:
1. Stressing the real or imaginary differences between racist and victim
2. Assigning values to the differences to the advantage of the racist and the detriment of the victim
3. Trying to make the values absolutes by generalizing from them and claiming that they are final
4. Justifying any present or possible aggression or privilege
(Attempt at a Definition in Dominated Man: Notes Toward a Portrait 185-95 (1968))
This semester isn't doing much for my view of humanity, in fact my pollyanna attitude is taking quite a beating. Who among us can say we haven't practiced these steps to justify behavior ranging from disdain all the way to true harm against another?
I think I need an offset, perhaps a feel-good movie to balance the dark reflection from this cesspool of history wherein I see myself.
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