I like how now, instead of using the word "racial" everyone uses the word cultural.

The meaning ends up being the same - the effect is the same - it just sounds better, doesnt it?

My coworkers frequently talk about other "culturally" different people and frequently mention "cultural" differences in terms of food, weight, height and everything else under the sun but never mention race or racial differences.

I dont necessarily think they are being racists or shall I say culturalists...and not everyone does but I find that racism as traditionally defined (and you know no matter what we are calling it these days), is so hard to discern in this PC world. Atleast before it was open. If someone didnt like me because of my skin colour it was open, obvious and most of all I did have to work so hard to figure out why someone would say that or do that. I would not feel guilty of even thinking something along the lines of racism. It was obvious.

Now, while I think perceptions have changed some what and most people dont have the time to care who they are working with as along as the work is done, there is still a lingering effect, that many cant seem to let go. So then, in this PC world, comments are passed, things are said - but the victim then has to go through this thinking process that is tiring, daunting, frustrating and makes one feel guilty as hell to come to conclusion that what they are thinking is true, is correct but are they over thinking that or is it just that now the dagger of racism is wrapped in silk words, polite smiles and stabbed when you are not watching?

I dont know. Just something I noticed.

Work

The receptionist at my work is very weird. Sometimes she is super nice and sometimes she is just not.

She is older than me and was here before me - so she keeps mentioning to me how has seniority over me. Which is fine by me. I dont care - and she probably is senior to me by 6 months. Whatever.

Here is the thing though - sometimes I have to give her some work to do. I am always very careful to word it properly - I dont want her to think I am being bossy or just plain mean. She on the other hand will will say things as if - she is my boss. Which she is not. To some extent I dont even mind that. I do mind her being borderline rude.

I am worried that it has something to do with me being brown and her not being brown. She can be very racist and has in the past passed comments - not directed towards me - that make you think - "wha...t? did you just say that?"

Its annoying cause she is really good at what she does - but at the sametime - I wish she would be more sensitive. Not for the sake of being sensitive but b/c immigrants to this country do have it easy or are not lazy...or whatever else she might think.

The sad reality

"Because of my recycling the bomb squad came, the state police came. Because of my recycling buildings were evacuated, classes were canceled, campus was closed. No. Not because of my recycling. Because of my dark body. No. Not because of my dark body. Because of his fear. Because of the way he saw me. Because of the culture of fear, mistrust, hatred, and suspicion that is carefully cultivated in the media, by the government, by people who claim to want to keep us safe".http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

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