True or False: When someone says "I'm not a racist but..."

[MnFats]

the next words out of their mouths clearly demonstrate that they're a racist.
I heard this one twice in the last week.
the first time I let it go.
the second time I modestly suggested the individual re-examine his attitudes.
I figured it had a better chance of success than just calling him a fucking bigoted asshole.
but you could also make a case for 'you fucking bigot asshole," too.

[Spider Jerusalem]

1. True.

I've never heard anyone say that save as preface to: "but blacks/Mexicans/Asians/etc (insert racist stereotype and explanation of how said stereotype "really bothers" this person)."

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Depends.

"But" usually indicates a negation of the prior clause, but this is not always true. Also, the statement following the 'but' may be a sign of prejudice, but not racism or bigotry. So, someone saying "I am not racist, but..." may or may not be a racist, the next clause may be an indicator, however.

[Gemini Cat]

3. In my experience...

they are generally racist however, they may be ashamed of their racism.

[WernhamHogg]

4. Agreed

When someone starts a sentence off that way, it almost always is followed by some very racist remarks. It's usually the same when someone starts a sentence off with "I have friends who are black/gay/Mexican/etc., but..."

[msatty99]

5. Maybe the toughest issue in America

I think that the speaker is announcing that he does not
believe in 'racism' and yet is confronted with a situation
that fits a racial stereotype.

Chris Rock had a whole bit on how he hates n*ggers one of the things
it meant was that each of us are defined in some way by skin color
and he killed him to see other blacks who 'lived up to' (or down to)
negative stereotypes.

The movie "Crash" did a great job of revealing many of the ironies and
issue of race in this country today.

The issue is so sensitive I am almost afraid to post this.

[MnFats]

9. 'Crash' is a very thought-provoking film....should be..

...required viewing for,say, juniors and seniors in high school.
well, there's language and sex issues but still. everyone should see it.

[Swamp Rat]

6. My rule of thumb (not in every case), is that anything after "but" is

BULL SHIT! :)

[leftstreet]

7. Take the "but" out as you're listening. You'll have your answer.

If the sentence still makes sense, it's probably not racist.

Example of something I overheard after Katrina:

"I'm not racist, but those people in New Orleans knew they were living in a dangerous area."

Revised:
"I'm not racist, those people in New Orleans knew they were living in a dangerous area."

Makes no sense.

[MrSlayer]

8. Usually, yeah.

I'd rather the person I'm talking to make no allusions about it.

[wtmusic]

10. Kissin' cousin to "With all due respect..."

or "No offense, but..." :crazy: