L4OATheOriginal said:

No disrespect L4, but yes isn't it a shame L4, that race can't be discussed on any of these forums or basically anywhere on message boards, websites, etc., with respect, without someone being insulted? Unfortunately, that is the way it is in the outside world and across the internet. To pretend we live in a kumbaya society doesn't solve the issue either. Sure it's easy to say, "color doesn't matter" but seriously, are you living in a glass house and not really looking at what's going on outside of it?

It's easy to say, "Gee I wish color didn't matter" or "color doesn't matter" because that's an easier copout than dealing with the fact that the issue exists doesn't it? Fact is, it does, that is the reality of it. Those who are not afraid to bring that issue to the forefront are the ones that will help change things in our society, not the ones wearing the rose-colored glasses, and shoving the issue in the corner praying it goes away or singing kumbaya all day long to dismiss the fact that the problem still exists. That's like an abused woman praying the next time her man abuses her and says he's sorry, that the next time he does it and says "sorry", that she'll actually believes he means it, only problem is, he continues to kick her ass. If she keeps pretending the abuse doesn't exist and allow it to continue, by doing nothing, about it and pretending there isn't an abuse problem, then naturally the abuse will continue, and "nothing" will change.

Just look at some of the below links to locked threads. Even if some try their best to educate others about "ignorant, stereotypical assumptions or racist insults" stated by a particular individual or others have made, are they wrong for taking a stand and doing so? Absolutely not.

You posted a line from one of P's song about "race" issues, and unfortunately, yes, it is a shame that racist attitudes still exist in 2009. Only way to dispel ignorant, stereotypical comments, is through discussions and educating others on race matters/various cultures, etc., not sweeping it under the rug, sugar-coating it, telling someone in a disrespectful manner to basically "shut-up" about it or finding a way to "dismiss" it altogether by "don't discuss it" as if the problem will magically go away, even at the risk of high emotions/anger/disagreements.

Like Bellanoche stated, constantly locking these type threads only allows the cycle to continue and same questions to be asked over and over again. Mods already know when to snip out the "insults" and give warnings if insults or derogatory remarks are made within a thread, but at the same time, should at least allow some of these discussions to continue with a watchful eye. Just my two cents, and I'll end it there. Peace.

http://prince.org/msg/100/304297
http://prince.org/msg/100/304375
http://prince.org/msg/5/302280
http://prince.org/msg/100/304372
[Edited 4/21/09 18:09pm]

2elijah said: