Is it okay to like a racist?
6September 2, 2012 by CJ
Ok, ok, I think it’s clear that I am not good with the post-a-day thing. I am pleased that I am posting more. But taking the few minutes each day to clear my mind and write, just isn’t coming as easy as I would have liked. Now that, that is out of the way, lets move on to what’s been occupying space in my mind.
Some time ago I was reading a blog that I found via a word search. I can’t recall what the word was, blog, parenting, funny…who knows. But I stumbled upon a post that I actually enjoyed reading. It was insightful, had a bit of humor and was well written. I liked it. I then did what many of us do, I clicked the like button. Because I liked it so much I decided to check out the rest of her writings. After reading a one or two more posts I found myself reading something that made my jaw drop. She went on what some (some meaning me) might call a racist tirade about the blacks and Hispanics that her poor husband had to work with. I read the entire post, not sure if she was using some type of irony or sarcasm to get her point across or some other technique that I just was not getting. Unfortunately, that was not the case. After reading the post, I read a comment. It was from some guy inviting her to join some group that shared her feelings. I can’t remember what her reply was, I think I was still in shock over what I had just read. I went back and “unliked” the original post.
From time to time I think about that post and my “unliking” of it. It makes me question myself and my own beliefs. I liked the post, I didn’t like the author. Should I have kept the “like”? I don’t want to promote hatred and racial stereotypes, but liking a post that was not about race at all isn’t promoting those feelings…or is it? I battle back and forth on this when I am left with my own thoughts (mainly during my long runs). If I had to do it over again, would I have unliked? I still do not know, and I’ll be honest with you, that kinda bothers me.
What would you do?
Can you like a post but not like an author?
What if that was the only hate filled post she had in a blog full of amazing writing?
Is it okay to “like” a racist?
50 Things Before I Turn 50 
I would probably have done the same as I wouldnt want be associated with the comments, I guess as in life we don’t always share the same views as those around us we may like someone but disagree with their views but in real life we have the chance to voice our differences whereas by clicking like those who see you on her post may assume you have read the rest and also share her opinions
Thanks Paula for stopping by and commenting. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that people could assume I share her opinions. That is one of my concerns and what keeps me from liking her post.
You raise a great question, one I struggle with in terms of book authors. To “like” is imply approval so you’re in a tough spot.
That is a very interesting point about authors. Someone could be an exceptional story teller but hold onto some very hateful thoughts and opinions. Can the two be separated?
I would have done the same thing. I wouldn’t promote a racist no matter what. However, I also VERY STRONGLY believe that American’s “RACISM” meter is turned up way past sensitive and needs to be looking for it less. Just complaining about a black person or hispanic or whatever and pointing out they are black isn’t racism. Not saying you were wrong in calling what you read racism. It probably was. But I’ve seen plenty of examples of people screaming “Racism” that I didn’t feel was called for.
I agree with you. I think the term racism or racists is thrown around too much in our society. I think people are often overly sensitive and I believe that is why I go back and forth on that particular post. I think complaining about a person isn’t racism but complaining about a group of people based only on the color of their skin, sex, or religion…I don’t know what it is, but it made me uncomfortable.
Thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation.