The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

We all use microaggressions to some extent at some point. Most of us I believe are not aware of it and would be ashamed if we knew what we had just insinuated. There are some people out there who may not realize what they are insinuating but be completely fine with what ‘hidden message’ they had just sent. Racism in any form, no matter how minor or substantial is unacceptable.  My friend JD, who lives in Black Mountain, N.C., is extremely racist though he does not believe he is. He makes more blatant racist comments then comments of microagression. When I was visiting him he made comments like: ‘they may be dressed nice but they are still lying and stealing niggers’, ‘I think tattoos are acceptable on men, but women are meant to be untouched’, ‘I cannot believe she has never stolen from work’ (about his African-American co-worker), and ‘I would never condone cheating but why did she cheat with a black man.’ I was shocked by how racist he is and how unfiltered he is with his comments. He has no idea how racist he is or does not care. His discrimination against others shows that he finds any race, ethnicity and diversity below his own and that specific ethnicities have certain 'jobs', i.e 'Asian women are only good for doing manicures and pedicures.' I was not comfortable with his comments and how deeply he believes that Caucasians are superior and better then anybody else. I understand why he feels that way, if you will, but I do not think that gives it justification. It really upset me and I tired to educate him on his views but he said he did not care and was too closed minded and like being that way. :-(  All I can say is wow! JD'S ideas, opinions and beliefs would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity.