Is this what racism is?

theprestige · 25th January 2019, 10:19 AM

Anyone who grew up thinking that mimicry of another culture, race or nationality is a valid way to express yourself is racist.

Foolmewunz made this statement in another thread, here:

http://www.internationalskeptics.com...5#post12577265

I think it's an interesting proposition. I'm still composing my thoughts on the claim, and I figured it might generate some interesting discussion if I threw it out to the general membership in the mean time.

Feel free to answer the poll and and debate your answers in the thread. Good luck and have fun!

The Great Zaganza · 25th January 2019, 10:30 AM

I voted Yes.
It can be a question of how racist it is on a level from one to genocide.

JoeMorgue · 25th January 2019, 10:36 AM

Yes if we are broadening the definition racism to mean "ancillary, racially tinged actions."

Now personally I find that definition to broad. No not all racism is cartoonish level and subtle racism is a thing that exists, but at a certain point putting everything that isn't... racially product I guess you'd call it, under the blanket term of "racism" is counter productive.

Joe Random · 25th January 2019, 10:40 AM

On the whole I'd say uncool/probably racist to a degree, but it depends on context. If I'm mountain biking with friends and we come up to a nasty looking downhill section, me shouting "BANZAI!" is clearly chest-thumping bravado on my part, with a hint of self-mockery.

If I've just given directions to the nearest gas station to a Japanese tourist and shout "BANZAI!" as he drives off, ... well, different story entirely.

fromdownunder · 25th January 2019, 10:58 AM

How is mimicry defined in the context of the statement? Pretty much every actor on the planet from Al Jolsen onward would come under the racism tent if the statement were to be taken broadly enough. I could make a list...

Is a straight man being a cultural racist by portraying a gay character? Turn it around to a gay man playing a straight character.

Joe Random put it pretty well for me "it depends on the context". So mostly yes and no comes closest to my view.

Norm

Thermal · 25th January 2019, 11:03 AM

Right. Context and intent. Negative subtext about the race in question, probably racist. Something just characteristic or identifiable of a given racial makeup, not really.

kellyb · 25th January 2019, 11:04 AM

Overall, yeah, but it depends on the specific mimicry.

baron · 25th January 2019, 11:06 AM

The poll is a little limiting. Why not have a Mostly Yes and Mostly No?

I say mostly no. It rolls culture and race and nationality all together so it's bound to score a hit somewhere, but in the main it's simply not true. All that's necessary is to look at the definition of racism and compare it with this definition. It doesn't fit, and that's that.

CaptainHowdy · 25th January 2019, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by theprestige

Anyone who grew up thinking that mimicry of another culture, race or nationality is a valid way to express yourself is racist.

Foolmewunz made this statement in another thread, here:

http://www.internationalskeptics.com...5#post12577265

I think it's an interesting proposition. I'm still composing my thoughts on the claim, and I figured it might generate some interesting discussion if I threw it out to the general membership in the mean time.

Feel free to answer the poll and and debate your answers in the thread. Good luck and have fun!

Is religion a subset of culture, race, or nationality?

baron · 25th January 2019, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by CaptainHowdy

Is religion a subset of culture, race, or nationality?

Of course. And dance, dress, accent, habits, food choices, hairstyle, clothes and all the rest. That's the point. If you criticise, mock or mimic anything related to a minority it's racism, that's what we're told, and that's why we can freely mock Christianity, disco dancing, Yorkshire accents, fish 'n' chips, mullets and flares and it's a big joke to everyone, but making a joke about Islam, tomahawk chops, Pakistani accents, fried chicken, afros or headdresses is racist.

Spock Jenkins · 25th January 2019, 11:18 AM

“No” says every comedian on the planet. Sometimes culture is funny. Sometimes language is funny. The ugly American abroad is funny. Accents are funny. I’m mostly Dutch and love a good Hollander joke. Stereotypes are great sources of humor because of the inherent grain of truth in them.

Society is no fun when we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and even at each other. People need to stop looking to be offended all the time.

Vixen · 25th January 2019, 11:20 AM

This is all very silly. Not so long ago in the UK was a popular kids' show which commenced with drumming and a deep male voice booming 'How!' to which the kiddies had to respond, 'How!'.

Racist bastards.

Pterodactyl · 25th January 2019, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Spock Jenkins

Society is no fun when we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and even at each other. People need to stop looking to be offended all the time.

Indeed.
This is why I feel why true equality will be reached not when people stop making fun of one another, but when people aren't so insecure as to take offense at such actions.

Vixen · 25th January 2019, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Spock Jenkins

“No” says every comedian on the planet. Sometimes culture is funny. Sometimes language is funny. The ugly American abroad is funny. Accents are funny. I’m mostly Dutch and love a good Hollander joke. Stereotypes are great sources of humor because of the inherent grain of truth in them.

Society is no fun when we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and even at each other. People need to stop looking to be offended all the time.

No, they are not funny. They are a PITA.

Spock Jenkins · 25th January 2019, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Vixen

No, they are not funny. They are a PITA.

A great many things in life are a PITA when they happen, but really funny upon reflection.

“Tragedy is when I stub my toe. Comedy is when you fall in an open sewer and die.” - I think that was Mel Brooks

Brainster · 25th January 2019, 11:35 AM

I like to type the word, "Si" in texts to mean yes. A close friend of mine who is not Irish likes to say, "Patrick, me boyo," on greeting me. I'm Irish. My cousin, who works with a lot of India Indians can do a spot-on imitation of their lilting speech.

fromdownunder · 25th January 2019, 11:43 AM

Speaking of ugly Americans abroad...

I recall the episode of The Simpsons when they came to Australia. Apparently a lot of people were offended by that episode, which I found hilarious. It was okay for them to make fun of everything else on the Planet, but not Australians. In fact some people even made lists of what they did incorrectly. You have to draw the line somewhere!

But reading Planet Simpson, the writers said they started to do research on Australia, but then were afraid they might get some things wrong, so they just decided to get everything wrong. The writers were right.

Norm

Chanakya · 25th January 2019, 11:51 AM

Like some others have said, and most have voted, depends on context and intent. Plus -- to recount a discussion on another thread a while back -- on whether one is punching 'up' or 'down'. Prince Charles often gets called ugly and a chinless wonder and, while you may or may not find the description accurate, no one reacts to that as one would if you focused on the physical repellance, the physical/racial characteristics, of some dictator of some other country elsewhere. (Not that chinlessness or ugliness is a racial characteristic, but you know what I mean.) Clear double standard that, but one that makes sense in a way.

Spock Jenkins · 25th January 2019, 11:54 AM

The ugly American abroad is funny. Being treated like crap in another country just because you’re from America is when it stops being funny.

Accents can be funny. Making fun of an individual trying to just take care of business that you’re struggling to understand is not funny.

dann · 25th January 2019, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Brainster

I like to type the word, "Si" in texts to mean yes. A close friend of mine who is not Irish likes to say, "Patrick, me boyo," on greeting me. I'm Irish. My cousin, who works with a lot of India Indians can do a spot-on imitation of their lilting speech.

Well, speech patterns aren't a question of culture, race or nationality. I used to be able to do a pretty good imitation of South Jutlandic (Wikipedia).

I chose the third option with the following qualifications:

Originally Posted by Foolmewunz

Anyone who grew up thinking that mimicry of another culture, race or nationality is a valid way to express yourself and still thinks so is racist.

Most of us probably grew up thinking that because we were made to think so by parents, teachers, the media etc. Due to confirmation bias, it's quite easy to add to this attitude, but it isn't really difficult to consider your beliefs and discover that many of them aren't based on facts.

dann · 25th January 2019, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by fromdownunder

But reading Planet Simpson, the writers said they started to do research on Australia, but then were afraid they might get some things wrong, so they just decided to get everything wrong. The writers were right.

I love the stories by Carl Barks (Wikipedia). I think he adhered to the same principle when writing about foreign countries.

Dr. Keith · 25th January 2019, 12:19 PM

I don't think that it is a complete definition of racism, but I do think that such a history can lead to racism if such thought processes are not examined later in life.

Anyone who grew up believing that "stepping on a crack will break their mother's back" is a superstitious idiot if they made it into adulthood without reconsidering that belief.

theprestige · 25th January 2019, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by baron

The poll is a little limiting.

Fortunately you have a whole wide world of activities and interests to invest in. Don't let yourself be limited by this one little Internet poll.

Quote:

Why not have a Mostly Yes and Mostly No?

Because one response covering the range of partial agreement is granular enough to suit my interest. If you're interested in teasing out all the fractal nuances of the question, feel free to post your own poll to that effect.

theprestige · 25th January 2019, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by CaptainHowdy

Is religion a subset of culture, race, or nationality?

That'll probably be a question for foolmewunz, back in the thread where he originally made the comment.

Mike! · 25th January 2019, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Random

On the whole I'd say uncool/probably racist to a degree, but it depends on context. If I'm mountain biking with friends and we come up to a nasty looking downhill section, me shouting "BANZAI!" is clearly chest-thumping bravado on my part, with a hint of self-mockery.

If I've just given directions to the nearest gas station to a Japanese tourist and shout "BANZAI!" as he drives off, ... well, different story entirely.

What if they'd inadvertently left a tiny, meticulously manicured, decorative tree on their truck, that was in danger of falling off and being destroyed, would it be okay to yell "BANZAI!" then?

baron · 25th January 2019, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by theprestige

Fortunately you have a whole wide world of activities and interests to invest in. Don't let yourself be limited by this one little Internet poll.

Because one response covering the range of partial agreement is granular enough to suit my interest. If you're interested in teasing out all the fractal nuances of the question, feel free to post your own poll to that effect.

When you have Yes and No in one option, your poll has failed. Don't worry about it, a rubbish poll isn't the end of the world.

cullennz · 25th January 2019, 12:48 PM

Impossible question to answer without knowing the context of the "mimicry"

theprestige · 25th January 2019, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by baron

When you have Yes and No in one option, your poll has failed. Don't worry about it, a rubbish poll isn't the end of the world.

Beggars can't be choosers.

Mike! · 25th January 2019, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by theprestige

Beggars can't be choosers.

Oh pretty please?

Thermal · 25th January 2019, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Mike!

Oh pretty please?

Only if you are the Chosen One

Senex · 25th January 2019, 01:40 PM

You people and your vacuous witless poles.

Oh,oh,oh I have an important question worthy of a poll.

Are poll writers more likely to be...

A) Really stupid
B) Unintelligent
C) Hair-brained
D) Asinine

See, I mimicked these people as a form of expression without resorting to racism. Question answered.

The culture of Gallup, Nielsen, ComRes... has been non-racist, good-naturedly zinged.

Thermal · 25th January 2019, 01:42 PM

*harebrained

Senex · 25th January 2019, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Thermal

*harebrained

Like my pole.

baron · 25th January 2019, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Senex

Like my pole.

Is that your chat-up line?

Joe Random · 25th January 2019, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Mike!

What if they'd inadvertently left a tiny, meticulously manicured, decorative tree on their truck, that was in danger of falling off and being destroyed, would it be okay to yell "BANZAI!" then?

Then naturally you sweep the leg.

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

Vixen · 25th January 2019, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Thermal

*harebrained

Aren't you being stereotypical about hares?

What has a hare ever done to you?

Thermal · 25th January 2019, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Vixen

Aren't you being stereotypical about hares?

What has a hare ever done to you?

*twitches involuntary*

See Encounters with Rabbits thread

Lambchops · 25th January 2019, 08:38 PM

Interesting how certain members of this site only seem to post in threads about race and gender.

bobdroege7 · 26th January 2019, 08:19 AM

I guess dancing in the Nutcracker is right out then.

I voted no

Stout · 26th January 2019, 08:41 AM

I dressed up as an Indian for Halloween back in '71

Didn't see anything wrong with it

Guess I grew up a racist.

Yes, of course	7	16.67%
Absolutely not	12	28.57%
Mostly yes or no, but with some qualifications one way or the other	21	50.00%
Planet Little was Planet X's slave name	2	4.76%
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll

25th January 2019, 10:19 AM	#1
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 31,720	Is this what racism is? Anyone who grew up thinking that mimicry of another culture, race or nationality is a valid way to express yourself is racist. Foolmewunz made this statement in another thread, here: http://www.internationalskeptics.com...5#post12577265 I think it's an interesting proposition. I'm still composing my thoughts on the claim, and I figured it might generate some interesting discussion if I threw it out to the general membership in the mean time. Feel free to answer the poll and and debate your answers in the thread. Good luck and have fun!

25th January 2019, 10:30 AM	#2
The Great Zaganza Maledictorian Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 6,828	I voted Yes. It can be a question of how racist it is on a level from one to genocide.
	__________________ Opinion is divided on the subject. All the others say it is; I say it isn’t.

25th January 2019, 10:36 AM	#3
JoeMorgue Self Employed Remittance Man Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 16,020	Yes if we are broadening the definition racism to mean "ancillary, racially tinged actions." Now personally I find that definition to broad. No not all racism is cartoonish level and subtle racism is a thing that exists, but at a certain point putting everything that isn't... racially product I guess you'd call it, under the blanket term of "racism" is counter productive.
	__________________ - "Ernest Hemingway once wrote that the world is a fine place and worth fighting for. I agree with the second part." - Detective Sommerset - "Stupidity does not cancel out stupidity to yield genius. It breeds like a bucket-full of coked out hamsters." - The Oatmeal - "To the best of my knowledge the only thing philosophy has ever proven is that Descartes could think." - SMBC

25th January 2019, 10:58 AM	#5
fromdownunder Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,248	How is mimicry defined in the context of the statement? Pretty much every actor on the planet from Al Jolsen onward would come under the racism tent if the statement were to be taken broadly enough. I could make a list... Is a straight man being a cultural racist by portraying a gay character? Turn it around to a gay man playing a straight character. Joe Random put it pretty well for me "it depends on the context". So mostly yes and no comes closest to my view. Norm
	__________________ Against stupidity, the Gods themselves contend in Vain

25th January 2019, 10:40 AM	#4
Joe Random Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,864	On the whole I'd say uncool/probably racist to a degree, but it depends on context. If I'm mountain biking with friends and we come up to a nasty looking downhill section, me shouting "BANZAI!" is clearly chest-thumping bravado on my part, with a hint of self-mockery. If I've just given directions to the nearest gas station to a Japanese tourist and shout "BANZAI!" as he drives off, ... well, different story entirely.

25th January 2019, 11:03 AM	#6
Thermal Philosopher Pither Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NJ USA. We Don't Like You Either Posts: 6,466	Right. Context and intent. Negative subtext about the race in question, probably racist. Something just characteristic or identifiable of a given racial makeup, not really.
	__________________ "Half of what he said meant something else, and the other half didn't mean anything at all" -Rosencrantz, on Hamlet

25th January 2019, 11:04 AM	#7
kellyb Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 10,645	Overall, yeah, but it depends on the specific mimicry.
	__________________ The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts ~ Bertrand Russell I am proud to say that Henry Kissinger is not my friend.

25th January 2019, 11:06 AM	#8
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	The poll is a little limiting. Why not have a Mostly Yes and Mostly No? I say mostly no. It rolls culture and race and nationality all together so it's bound to score a hit somewhere, but in the main it's simply not true. All that's necessary is to look at the definition of racism and compare it with this definition. It doesn't fit, and that's that.
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	__________________ "I don't think I'm getting the most out of my computer. I turn it on... and use it as a light." - Harry Hill

25th January 2019, 11:07 AM	#9
CaptainHowdy Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,005	Originally Posted by theprestige Anyone who grew up thinking that mimicry of another culture, race or nationality is a valid way to express yourself is racist. Foolmewunz made this statement in another thread, here: http://www.internationalskeptics.com...5#post12577265 I think it's an interesting proposition. I'm still composing my thoughts on the claim, and I figured it might generate some interesting discussion if I threw it out to the general membership in the mean time. Feel free to answer the poll and and debate your answers in the thread. Good luck and have fun! Is religion a subset of culture, race, or nationality?

25th January 2019, 11:14 AM	#10
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	Originally Posted by CaptainHowdy Is religion a subset of culture, race, or nationality? Of course. And dance, dress, accent, habits, food choices, hairstyle, clothes and all the rest. That's the point. If you criticise, mock or mimic anything related to a minority it's racism, that's what we're told, and that's why we can freely mock Christianity, disco dancing, Yorkshire accents, fish 'n' chips, mullets and flares and it's a big joke to everyone, but making a joke about Islam, tomahawk chops, Pakistani accents, fried chicken, afros or headdresses is racist.
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	__________________ "I don't think I'm getting the most out of my computer. I turn it on... and use it as a light." - Harry Hill

25th January 2019, 11:18 AM	#11
Spock Jenkins Muse Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 801	“No” says every comedian on the planet. Sometimes culture is funny. Sometimes language is funny. The ugly American abroad is funny. Accents are funny. I’m mostly Dutch and love a good Hollander joke. Stereotypes are great sources of humor because of the inherent grain of truth in them. Society is no fun when we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and even at each other. People need to stop looking to be offended all the time.
Spock Jenkins Muse Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 801

25th January 2019, 11:20 AM	#12
Vixen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Moomin Valley Posts: 14,924	This is all very silly. Not so long ago in the UK was a popular kids' show which commenced with drumming and a deep male voice booming 'How!' to which the kiddies had to respond, 'How!'. Racist bastards.
	__________________ If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty. ~ Japanese Proverb

25th January 2019, 11:21 AM	#13
Pterodactyl Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 1,069	Originally Posted by Spock Jenkins Society is no fun when we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and even at each other. People need to stop looking to be offended all the time. Indeed. This is why I feel why true equality will be reached not when people stop making fun of one another, but when people aren't so insecure as to take offense at such actions.
	Last edited by Pterodactyl; 25th January 2019 at 11:22 AM.

25th January 2019, 11:34 AM	#15
Spock Jenkins Muse Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 801	Originally Posted by Vixen No, they are not funny. They are a PITA. A great many things in life are a PITA when they happen, but really funny upon reflection. “Tragedy is when I stub my toe. Comedy is when you fall in an open sewer and die.” - I think that was Mel Brooks
Spock Jenkins Muse Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 801

25th January 2019, 11:35 AM	#16
Brainster Penultimate Amazing Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 16,116	I like to type the word, "Si" in texts to mean yes. A close friend of mine who is not Irish likes to say, "Patrick, me boyo," on greeting me. I'm Irish. My cousin, who works with a lot of India Indians can do a spot-on imitation of their lilting speech.
	__________________ My new blog: Recent Reads. 1960s Comic Book Nostalgia Visit the Screw Loose Change blog.

25th January 2019, 11:43 AM	#17
fromdownunder Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,248	Speaking of ugly Americans abroad... I recall the episode of The Simpsons when they came to Australia. Apparently a lot of people were offended by that episode, which I found hilarious. It was okay for them to make fun of everything else on the Planet, but not Australians. In fact some people even made lists of what they did incorrectly. You have to draw the line somewhere! But reading Planet Simpson, the writers said they started to do research on Australia, but then were afraid they might get some things wrong, so they just decided to get everything wrong. The writers were right. Norm
	__________________ Against stupidity, the Gods themselves contend in Vain Last edited by fromdownunder; 25th January 2019 at 11:44 AM.

25th January 2019, 11:51 AM	#18
Chanakya Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 948	Like some others have said, and most have voted, depends on context and intent. Plus -- to recount a discussion on another thread a while back -- on whether one is punching 'up' or 'down'. Prince Charles often gets called ugly and a chinless wonder and, while you may or may not find the description accurate, no one reacts to that as one would if you focused on the physical repellance, the physical/racial characteristics, of some dictator of some other country elsewhere. (Not that chinlessness or ugliness is a racial characteristic, but you know what I mean.) Clear double standard that, but one that makes sense in a way.
Chanakya Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 948

25th January 2019, 11:54 AM	#19
Spock Jenkins Muse Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 801	The ugly American abroad is funny. Being treated like crap in another country just because you’re from America is when it stops being funny. Accents can be funny. Making fun of an individual trying to just take care of business that you’re struggling to understand is not funny.
Spock Jenkins Muse Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 801

25th January 2019, 11:58 AM	#20
dann Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,493	Originally Posted by Brainster I like to type the word, "Si" in texts to mean yes. A close friend of mine who is not Irish likes to say, "Patrick, me boyo," on greeting me. I'm Irish. My cousin, who works with a lot of India Indians can do a spot-on imitation of their lilting speech. Well, speech patterns aren't a question of culture, race or nationality. I used to be able to do a pretty good imitation of South Jutlandic (Wikipedia). I chose the third option with the following qualifications: Originally Posted by Foolmewunz Anyone who grew up thinking that mimicry of another culture, race or nationality is a valid way to express yourself and still thinks so is racist. Most of us probably grew up thinking that because we were made to think so by parents, teachers, the media etc. Due to confirmation bias, it's quite easy to add to this attitude, but it isn't really difficult to consider your beliefs and discover that many of them aren't based on facts.
dann Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,493	__________________ /dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx Last edited by dann; 25th January 2019 at 12:07 PM.

25th January 2019, 12:05 PM	#21
dann Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,493	Originally Posted by fromdownunder But reading Planet Simpson, the writers said they started to do research on Australia, but then were afraid they might get some things wrong, so they just decided to get everything wrong. The writers were right. I love the stories by Carl Barks (Wikipedia). I think he adhered to the same principle when writing about foreign countries.
dann Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,493	__________________ /dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx Last edited by dann; 25th January 2019 at 12:07 PM.

25th January 2019, 12:19 PM	#22
Dr. Keith Not a doctor. Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 17,799	I don't think that it is a complete definition of racism, but I do think that such a history can lead to racism if such thought processes are not examined later in life. Anyone who grew up believing that "stepping on a crack will break their mother's back" is a superstitious idiot if they made it into adulthood without reconsidering that belief.
	__________________ I once proposed a fun ban. Suffering is not a punishment not a fruit of sin, it is a gift of God. He allows us to share in His suffering and to make up for the sins of the world. -Mother Teresa

25th January 2019, 12:42 PM	#23
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 31,720	Originally Posted by baron The poll is a little limiting. Fortunately you have a whole wide world of activities and interests to invest in. Don't let yourself be limited by this one little Internet poll. Quote: Why not have a Mostly Yes and Mostly No? Because one response covering the range of partial agreement is granular enough to suit my interest. If you're interested in teasing out all the fractal nuances of the question, feel free to post your own poll to that effect.

25th January 2019, 12:43 PM	#24
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 31,720	Originally Posted by CaptainHowdy Is religion a subset of culture, race, or nationality? That'll probably be a question for foolmewunz, back in the thread where he originally made the comment.

25th January 2019, 12:45 PM	#25
Mike! Official Ponylandistanian National Treasure. Respect it! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ponylandistan! Where the bacon grows on trees! Can it get any better than that? I submit it can not! Posts: 30,847	Originally Posted by Joe Random On the whole I'd say uncool/probably racist to a degree, but it depends on context. If I'm mountain biking with friends and we come up to a nasty looking downhill section, me shouting "BANZAI!" is clearly chest-thumping bravado on my part, with a hint of self-mockery. If I've just given directions to the nearest gas station to a Japanese tourist and shout "BANZAI!" as he drives off, ... well, different story entirely. What if they'd inadvertently left a tiny, meticulously manicured, decorative tree on their truck, that was in danger of falling off and being destroyed, would it be okay to yell "BANZAI!" then?
	__________________ "Never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes... Because then it won't really matter, you’ll be a mile away and have his shoes."

25th January 2019, 12:48 PM	#26
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	Originally Posted by theprestige Fortunately you have a whole wide world of activities and interests to invest in. Don't let yourself be limited by this one little Internet poll. Because one response covering the range of partial agreement is granular enough to suit my interest. If you're interested in teasing out all the fractal nuances of the question, feel free to post your own poll to that effect. When you have Yes and No in one option, your poll has failed. Don't worry about it, a rubbish poll isn't the end of the world.
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	__________________ "I don't think I'm getting the most out of my computer. I turn it on... and use it as a light." - Harry Hill

25th January 2019, 12:48 PM	#27
cullennz Embarrasingly illiterate Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 14,604	Impossible question to answer without knowing the context of the "mimicry"
	__________________ I generally oppose gun control, but I support the ban on assault weapons and I support a slightly longer waiting period to purchase a gun. With today’s Internet technology we should be able to tell within 72-hours if a potential gun owner has a record. Source: The America We Deserve, by Donald Trump, p.102 , Jul 2, 2000

25th January 2019, 12:53 PM	#28
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 31,720	Originally Posted by baron When you have Yes and No in one option, your poll has failed. Don't worry about it, a rubbish poll isn't the end of the world. Beggars can't be choosers.

25th January 2019, 01:28 PM	#29
Mike! Official Ponylandistanian National Treasure. Respect it! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ponylandistan! Where the bacon grows on trees! Can it get any better than that? I submit it can not! Posts: 30,847	Originally Posted by theprestige Beggars can't be choosers. Oh pretty please?
	__________________ "Never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes... Because then it won't really matter, you’ll be a mile away and have his shoes."

25th January 2019, 01:34 PM	#30
Thermal Philosopher Pither Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NJ USA. We Don't Like You Either Posts: 6,466	Originally Posted by Mike! Oh pretty please? Only if you are the Chosen One
	__________________ "Half of what he said meant something else, and the other half didn't mean anything at all" -Rosencrantz, on Hamlet

25th January 2019, 01:40 PM	#31
Senex Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: School for Rumpology, CT Posts: 5,659	You people and your vacuous witless poles. Oh,oh,oh I have an important question worthy of a poll. Are poll writers more likely to be... A) Really stupid B) Unintelligent C) Hair-brained D) Asinine See, I mimicked these people as a form of expression without resorting to racism. Question answered. The culture of Gallup, Nielsen, ComRes... has been non-racist, good-naturedly zinged.

25th January 2019, 01:42 PM	#32
Thermal Philosopher Pither Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NJ USA. We Don't Like You Either Posts: 6,466	*harebrained
	__________________ "Half of what he said meant something else, and the other half didn't mean anything at all" -Rosencrantz, on Hamlet

25th January 2019, 01:47 PM	#33
Senex Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: School for Rumpology, CT Posts: 5,659	Originally Posted by Thermal *harebrained Like my pole.

25th January 2019, 01:51 PM	#34
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	Originally Posted by Senex Like my pole. Is that your chat-up line?
baron Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8,366	__________________ "I don't think I'm getting the most out of my computer. I turn it on... and use it as a light." - Harry Hill

25th January 2019, 02:03 PM	#36
Vixen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Moomin Valley Posts: 14,924	Originally Posted by Thermal *harebrained Aren't you being stereotypical about hares? What has a hare ever done to you?
	__________________ If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty. ~ Japanese Proverb