Blatant racism (add homophobia recently) in America today, is it going to get even worse?

[DaveinJapan]

The optimistic side of me hopes beyond hope that this is the "last vestiges" coming out loud and strong because FINALLY America has elected a minority to the highest position in the land, and as they finally dim out and silence themselves in the face of massive opposition it will then get markedly better from here on in.

The pessimist in me feels that this is but the opening stages of a nasty, ugly race war that will only get progressively worse as the nation shatters into at least 2 very distinctive pieces.

It seems to me that one or the other is going to happen right soon, I'm just wondering what peoples' thoughts are on this pressing issue. I WISH I could be more optimistic, but the vitriol I'm seeing now on a daily basis makes me unenthisiastic to say the least (and I have NO idea what I, personally, can do about it other than argue with racists and homophobes which I've been doing ad nauseam to no effect...I can only hope that at least when these arguments are on line that some "on the fence" types are reading silently).

So, where do you guys think we're at? One, or the other, or somewhere in between? I must say I don't recall such vitriolic racism since I was a very young kid (and even then very little since I grew up in a very tolerant, largely Democratic family).

[Hannah Bell]

1. my thought is, it's being deliberately ginned up to take banksters & pols off the hook for their

massive *fail*.

[whyverne]

2. Scapegoats will be sacrificed.

Someone must be blamed for the pillage of the middle class. The real perpetrators will blame the "others".

[Jamastiene]

3. Racism, sexism, and homophobia will always be out there.

THE single BEST thing the majority of us can consistently do is state clearly and bluntly that we do not agree with any of that hate. If we are consistent and keep speaking out, the hate will still exist, but it will not be as powerful in the future.

Other than that, let them shout their hate to nothing and no one. They want attention. That is why they try to say the most outlandishly hateful thing they can think of. They WANT the attention. That's why they do it.

Read more here:
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/publications/ten-ways-to-fight-hate-a-community-response-guide?page=0,6

[Scuba]

4. It's certainly gotten worse in the last 18 months as ....

... those with money and power try to hang on against the tide.

[old mark]

5. It will change as some of the old timers (my age) die. Until the mid '60's,

racism was the LAW in America. It will never die out, but the people who want "the good old days" back are slowly going to their reward...and we will be a better place.

mark

[DaveinJapan]

6. I'm glad to see that the majority of replies thus far are optimistic! nt

[VMI Dem]

7. We nominated a man that does not believe gays are equal. What does that say about us?