Is there a difference between race and culture? For example, can one not like a culture without not liking the people within that culture? How many times do we use the term racism or racist when what we really mean is a dislike for a specific culture? For example, I do not like rap music. Some will say that I am racist because I don't like rap music. What I don't like is the culture of rap music. I don't like opera either, does that mean I hate Italians?

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Its better to have fussed and crabbed then never to have fussed at all - Lucy

Nathan, that's a great question. I have been called a racist because of the rap music scenario as well. I live in Taiwan, and I don't really care that much about the culture (buddhist is not really my cup of tea), but I think the poeple for the most part, are cool...

That would not make you racist.

However, if you said you didn't like any music by a black person merely because the artist is black, that would be a racist statement.

I would suggest you point out the difference to Rastaman, IHNR and Spitty

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Its better to have fussed and crabbed then never to have fussed at all - Lucy

For instance...I don't care for Opera...does that make me racist against Italians? No...it just means I don't like Opera.

Not all Opera's are in Italian although a lot of them are. Just as not all rap artists are black. So how can it be a racist issue?

Lets move away from Rap, that was only an example. Lets look at the entire issue. Can you not like black "culture" in general and not be racist? Some call Jews a race or Arabs a race (which they are not) Can you be pro Isreal for example and ot be racist against Arabs?

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Its better to have fussed and crabbed then never to have fussed at all - Lucy

Your question is losing some steam here, Nathan.
I think that any individual can have likes or dislikes about various cultures, and like or dislike the people in those various cultures... I don't really care that much about the Israeli politicians, but I love the culture...

I would think that would depend of why one was pro Isreal in the first place. Is it a political ideology, or based on something else, such as one's heritage or color of skin?

I am in living a militay society where all culture/religions/races mesh together.

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Mr. Stockbroker
"As a matter of opinion though possibly retarded WVpeach is still smarter than you. LOL"

I think whether it's consider racist or not depends more on who you're talking to and which culture you're referring to than what you have to say about the culture. Some people get a little insane about their culture as though it is the only thing that defines who and what they are.