Racists can't think straight

The cost of racism (part 2)[W]hite people often use ad hominem defenses to avoid addressing the issue at hand. There are several common ways in which these defenses present. The first is when others are accused of being “oversensitive” or “having chips on their shoulders” or being “overly PC.” These characterizations do nothing to address the issue. Rather, they are used to delegitimize the other party.

The second, more subtle ad hominem defense is use of statements such as, “Well, I guess I’m just the sort of person who gives people the benefit of the doubt,” or “I guess I’m just not as quick to label other people racist.”

This method allows the white person to position him or herself as the person of reason, the unemotional, unjudgmental thinker and all-around wonderful human being. It additionally is a slam at the other person. You can see what type of individual they are: Unable to give others the benefit of the doubt! Quick to label others racist!

Both of these forms of ad hominem defense are intellectually lazy. They are not addressing why we might take care in our speech and actions, nor do they present a good argument for being less thoughtful. But often these sorts of empty slams are used to end the conversation. They are based on the faulty assumption that discrediting a speaker discredits his or her argument. To use one of these defenses is an understood code among white people. It is the final word. Why? Because a white person said so.Comment:  Another good posting that's worth reading in whole.

For more on the subject, see Highlights of the US Report to the UN on Racism.

Below:  "It's just a monkey dressed up like an Indian. Don't be so sensitive!"