Not really sure what to say about this. I guess he is not a racist but he sure is biased against race [lol].

The response was also interesting:

-----Email Message-----
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2008 6:09 AM

Whenever I walk by a White woman, I avoid looking at her so she won't think that I'll try to rob her. But really, I'm not a racist person.

File under "Not Too Clear on the Concept".

actually, i interpreted that card as an acknowledgement of the racism of doing that. maybe i'm just hoping that's what it is.

"I'm not a racist person but I engage in certain, specific, racist actions (including this one)"

Is that what this is?

How much of something does one have to do to be an -ist of that thing?

Why is she so defensive? Why doesn't she just say, "Most of the guys who say lewd things to me are hispanic or black and it pisses me off."

Who are we to deny her the experiences she has had.

I think there is a strong relation to racial profiling in places like airports. It is like the government saying "I'm not a racist State but I do keep my eye on anyone who doesn't look western enough to me"

Some people might say "Gee! why spend time frisking the 84 year old Irish nun if you can go after the big bad arab/muslim/iranian/etc?" but that's just trying to justifiy racist decisions.

I'm not a racist but I do like owning slaves.

That sounds more like stereotyping than racism. And being aware of demographics in crime.

you're not a racist, the sky isn't blue in the middle of the day when there aren't any clouds out, and furries don't like dressing up as animals and having sex with other people who do the same.

Our perceptions of the demographics of crime will inevitably shape our preconceptions. Be aware of it, and don't generalise. Take into account where you are (dangerous area/safe area), the behaviours demonstrated (purposeful movement/loitering in groups) and the atmosphere (playful/aggressive) before judging someone by their age, skin colour, or socio-economic group.

Having a phobia of a whole race IS racist. And the first one is weird. She's not only anticipating harassment, she's deliberately making sure that she's aware of it, so she can be offended and report it to the police. Grow up. Leave your ipod on, and you won't have to hear any comments. If a particular individual, or individuals are repeatedly harassing you, make a police report. If it's an isolated occurance, then ignore it.

get a few ipods jacked on the street and then talk shit about this being racist. idiots. all prejudices are based in reality and when you live in certain places reality slaps you in the face and the feel-good hippy shit flies out the window.

@erra, whilst I find the posts and the ipod turning off especially very weird, I think encouraging women to ignore street harrassment if it is not persistent is damaging and ignores how distressing not being able to walk down the street without comment can be. Ignoring it if is whites perpetrating it and not if it POC is immature but ignoring any form of harrassment is akin to sanctioning it.

I'm not a grammar freak, but sometimes I do get disappointed when people don't realize that African-American should be capitalized.

I think this is kind of unfair. How are they supposed to change their fear? I know it's possible but I honetly wouldn't even know how to go about it. I just think people shouldn't be so harsh regarding these postsecrets.

"furries don’t like dressing up as animals and having sex with other people who do the same."

Actually, this one is true. Well, partly true. Some furries do like that, I am sure.