1) Consistently behave impolitely to people who don't look like or speak like them. After they have been quite nice and respectful to everyone who approaches them, their negative demeanor shows up when minorities are around or when white people show up. Most bold racists or prejudice people's demeanor are authoritative, conversation short and rude, and they attempt to hurry customers/visitors/guests along. This is when you just might hear someone say, "You don't have to be ignorant!"
2) Doubtful about the experiences minorities report. For example, you have a concern or complaint and right away the so-called "I don't know I am a racist" type wants to make excuses for their counterpart, who looks like them, while dismissing what you say. They might even question you a whole lot about the ordeal or simply say they will do something about the issue, but don't. Do they do this with their type? Nope!
3) Lie about what "that other" ethnicity says or does. When a prejudice person doesn't want to get into any trouble or be called out for their biases, they will lie, exaggerate, blame, deny, shame, cover-up, or keep quiet about events. All the while, the slick racist is hoping that anyone investigating the matter will simply give up.
4) Ignore. The person who is indeed an unapologetic racist or prejudice (yet claims they aren't) doesn't see, hear or talk to "that white person...that black person...those Chinese people...them Jews" you get the point. They will find a table far from you, avoid you like a plague (even with a mask and gloves on), stand further back than six feet, or bump into you without a care or an apology. Simply put, they don't like "your kind."
5) Teach privileged young people everything that is so-called wrong with "you people." It isn't any wonder why there are bullies in this world, the prejudice or racist parent who claims he or she is "just teaching" a child is really raising a future ignorant bully like his or herself. "Don't bring them people here or else...," the parent cautions. Now that Covid-19 is here, well a great excuse to use to keep certain types away. "You know coronavirus is out here, don't be going over their house and you know not to tell them to come here!"
6) Use stereotypes to determine whether a person is trustworthy or not. Depending on the ethnicity and what is said about "those people" will help the prejudice person decide whether "that type" is "okay" to work with or even use a service, but "not okay" to date, marry, procreate with, manage finances, or take on any leadership role, because "well, you know what they say about them."
7) Act like know-it-alls. Prejudice people will enforce the rules when they don't like who the leader is, who is in the audience, who is buying from them, who they have to serve, etc. Make a mistake and the know-it-all racist will be sure to call you out on it (usually in front of others), punish, or document and share repeatedly with upper management in the hopes that you are terminated. However, let them or their favorites make mistakes and they are supportive in ensuring that they learn from them.
8) Create an environment to mentally and/or physically oppress those who are more talented, look better, have exceptional skills, etc. Prejudice people and racists will be certain to corner anyone who appears to be a threat. Whether they do this by overlooking individuals for positions they rightly deserve, pay them lower wages than their counterparts, pass them over for great opportunities, or black-ball them from networking with top officials...whatever the stunts they pull, the root cause for them is not any of the excuses they come up with, they secretly "don't like your kind." They are programmed to behave in the way their predecessors have behaved usually covertly rather than overtly. They most likely were told, "You can't let them have power. Think about us. If you give them anything, they won't appreciate it and they will make you look bad. They are known for lying, stealing, killing..."
9) Fight. The bold prejudice people or racists won't hesitate to argue, debate, yell, and name-call especially when they are called out on their behaviors. They don't mind fighting with anyone who just isn't their "kind or type," but will act reasonable or logical with those who they do like. Some will even look for fights and have been known to make a "statement" while obtaining personal satisfaction in hurting others even worse killing people. They don't think that what they do is the least bit wrong, their response, "They deserve it. I never liked those &%$#@!"
10) Steal. From ideas to money, the prejudice and racists consider themselves to be like Robinhood, they steal from the rich and give to the poor. However, they pick and choose who to take from like they wouldn't take from someone that is their own ethnicity (but then again maybe, if they deem their own kind to be a sell-out). They make excuses for why they do what they do. "After all these years, we put up with... You know, I can't stand them, they are always looking for hand-outs....Yeah, I take from them, so what!"
No matter what side you are on or what your ethnicity, wrong is wrong! You can't fight evil with evil. Be conscious of your thoughts and behaviors, chances are you have some prejudice or racist ways that tell those who are observant, "Yep, you are one of them!"
Nicholl McGuire owner of this blog and contributor.
