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[Tristam]

It's all about tolerance until you don't like what someone else has to say or thinks.

I'll thank you to respect my right to hate black people! Harumph!

To anyone who hasn't been down to Appalachia and calling everyone down there a bunch of racists, have you been there? Do you know anyone from Appalachia? The nicest people I've ever met have been from Hazard, Kentucky.

There's something special about Eastern Kentucky. Many of the families that live in Eastern Kentucky have been there for hundreds of years, mine included. And while I didn't grow up in Hazard, but a little north of Lexington, we visited numerous times as I was growing up, there's just something about that place.

It has it's own culture and way of life. I know there are going to be countless on here saying, "Yea they have a culture of racism and a way of life that promotes racism!" Again I'll just say this, who do you know from Eastern Kentucky? You're going to judge an entire group of people off the actions of around 10 or so people?

How is your judgment of everyone from Kentucky any different if people judge you because where you're from?

Fire away, hombre. I'm from Missouri and I know that a significant percentage of fellow white folk there are casually racist in close company.

 

[OJdaKiller]

I'll thank you to respect my right to hate black people! Harumph!

I'm not the thought/feeling police nor do I aspire to be.

 

[Das Boot]

As long as religion exists, so too will racism and homophobia.

lololololololol.

Come on son.

 

[andymcc]

Fire away, hombre. I'm from Missouri and I know that a significant percentage of fellow white folk there are casually racist in close company.

great statistic there.

i know some people from the deepest parts of poverty-stricken appalachia that are the nicest, most tolerant people i know.

so i guess my anecdote neutralizes yours?

 

[Pollux]

great statistic there.

i know some people from the deepest parts of poverty-stricken appalachia that are the nicest, most tolerant people i know.

so i guess my anecdote neutralizes yours?

As I said before, same here. But based on a number of replies in this thread I feel like it needs to be reiterated.

 

[Tristam]

great statistic there.

i know some people from the deepest parts of poverty-stricken appalachia that are the nicest, most tolerant people i know.

so i guess my anecdote neutralizes yours?

I ain't commenting on Appalachia; I'm speaking from experience in the Ozarks. Hyuck hyuck!

EDIT: And a life of experience in a region imparts more than enough knowledge to form a population sample worth drawing inferences from.

 

[Stinkles]

Do you mean taxpayer supported? Churches aren't actually funded by the government, they're just tax-exempt.

When they run a business that's tax exempt the tax burden falls on the public. But yes.

 

[Pollux]

I ain't commenting on Appalachia; I'm speaking from experience in the Ozarks. Hyuck hyuck!

Being from that region have you ever gone noodling?

My cousin (from Cinci but who has completely embraced everything about Kentucky) has done it a few times and wants me to try it. I'm terrified I'll lose a hand. I've heard horror stories....

 

[Tristam]

Being from that region have you ever gone noodling?

My cousin (from Cinci but who has completely embraced everything about Kentucky) has done it a few times and wants me to try it. I'm terrified I'll lose a hand. I've heard horror stories....

Nope. I'm too damned impatient to catch a catfish (or any kind of fish) even the normal way! But I've seen some of the horror stories you probably refer to...

 

[Particle Physicist]

Strawman here we go!

Not really. The excuse for each belief is some stupid religious garbage.

 

[mr. puppy]

just so you all are aware: more people have commented in this thread than actually go to the freaking church

 

[Foxy Fox 39]

Wow, people. "A implies B" is not equivalent to "not A implies not B".

Yeah but in the context of the conversation the statement was pretty useless.

 

[Pollux]

Nope. I'm too damned impatient to catch a catfish (or any kind of fish) even the normal way! But I've seen some of the horror stories you probably refer to...

My cousins buddy lost his pinky to a snapper

 

[Korey]

To anyone who hasn't been down to Appalachia and calling everyone down there a bunch of racists, have you been there? Do you know anyone from Appalachia? The nicest people I've ever met have been from Hazard, Kentucky.

There's something special about Eastern Kentucky. Many of the families that live in Eastern Kentucky have been there for hundreds of years, mine included. And while I didn't grow up in Hazard, but a little north of Lexington, we visited numerous times as I was growing up, there's just something about that place.

It has it's own culture and way of life. I know there are going to be countless on here saying, "Yea they have a culture of racism and a way of life that promotes racism!" Again I'll just say this, who do you know from Eastern Kentucky? You're going to judge an entire group of people off the actions of around 10 or so people?

How is your judgment of everyone from Kentucky any different if people judge you because where you're from?



You have to be kidding me....

Would you say that the south is in general more backwards than the rest of the country when it comes to race relations? I don't think that's a wrong assumption to make at all

Edit:
2009: Georgia high schools throw separate proms for black and white students
2010: Mississippi school cancels prom because of lesbian student, invites her to fake prom, throw secret prom somewhere else | Wikipedia link

 

[Dead Man]

great statistic there.

i know some people from the deepest parts of poverty-stricken appalachia that are the nicest, most tolerant people i know.

so i guess my anecdote neutralizes yours?

Not if the point of the anecdote is to demonstrate that there are many racist people in a region. Showing there are some non racist people does nothing to invalidate that statement. Only if he claimed ALL the people in an area were racist would you have some grounds, as it stands though, you do not.

 

[Mungular]

not racist eh? alrighty then

 

[BoobPhysics101]

Wow... what a great church. Just... really fucking great. God loves you guys, he loves the fact that you ONLY see color and refuse to unite people in holy matrimony FOR HIM because of their color.

Isn't that against God's word entirely and completely? To deny someone the right of marriage because of prejudice is basically denying what God wants people to do, isn't it?

Do they even fucking think before they do shit like this?

 

[Alfarif]

I should try to visit this Sunday with my wife and see what they do.

 

[Dude Abides]

Would you say that the south is in general more backwards than the rest of the country when it comes to race relations? I don't think that's a wrong assumption to make at all

Kentucky isn't really The South proper. It was border state, ultimately union during the Civil War - I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky - although there were strong Confederate factions. Also, unlike the Deep South, the black population is quite small. That isn't to say there isn't a strong strain of racism amongst its populace, but it, along with the other border states, have a somewhat different history and culture and shouldn't be casually lumped in with the Old Confederacy.

 

[marrec]

I'm not the thought/feeling police nor do I aspire to be.

I...

Let...

I mean, I'm struggling to come up with the exact words I want to say here. There are some instances where it's okay to point at someone, the people of this church behind this whole fiasco, and say 'You're shithead for being a Racist.' Even if they don't say stupid racist shit out-loud, anyone who stood for this thing is a Shithead for being a Racist.

Sure, we can't stop shitheads from thinking things, but we can and should ridicule and mock and ostracize them.

 

[Seth C]

There's something special about Eastern Kentucky. Many of the families that live in Eastern Kentucky have been there for hundreds of years, mine included.

I can definitely speak to that. My family has been in what is now Floyd county, Kentucky (Pike county was carved out of Floyd, which was itself once a county in Virginia) since the 1700s. In fact, one of my ancestors founded what became the county seat of Prestonsburg. It was originally Spurlock's Staton, so named for John Spurlock. It eventually became Preston's Station and later when it became the county seat, Prestonsburg. This was 3 years prior to the area being considered safe for settlers. He was the first white settler there. My family hadn't left until my generation.

For anyone wondering, most of my family has been on this continent since the 1500s.

 

[Orayn]

I should try to visit this Sunday with my wife and see what they do.

Upload the results to YouTube for the mirth of all!

 

[Pollux]

Would you say that the south is in general more backwards than the rest of the country when it comes to race relations? I don't think that's a wrong assumption to make at all

Edit:
2009: Georgia high schools throw separate proms for black and white students
2010: Mississippi school cancels prom because of lesbian student, invites her to fake prom, throw secret prom somewhere else | Wikipedia link

We're not talking about the South as a whole, we're talking about Eastern Kentucky. And Eastern Kentucky is nothing like Mississippi or Georgia. Completely different culture.

 

[Zzoram]

Apparently the vote was 9-6, although 40 people attended the service. Most either left or abstained from voting.

:/

Abstaining from that vote is voting yes but being too chickenshit to own up to it.

 

[JGS]

I should try to visit this Sunday with my wife and see what they do.

I think you're allowed to visit, but not join.

I think that's why they stopped singing altogether- to make sure the daughter and fiance never come back to sing since thay can attend otherwise.

 

[Shapingo]

Boondocks - 'White' Heaven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRNCpD3xhsY

 

[mr2xxx]

I love the " I'm not racist but (insert something racist)" line.

 

[Pollux]

I can definitely speak to that. My family has been in what is now Floyd county, Kentucky (Pike county was carved out of Floyd, which was itself once a county in Virginia) since the 1700s. In fact, one of my ancestors founded what became the county seat of Prestonsburg. It was originally Spurlock's Staton, so named for John Spurlock. It eventually became Preston's Station and later when it became the county seat, Prestonsburg. This was 3 years prior to the area being considered safe for settlers. He was the first white settler there. My family hadn't left until my generation.

For anyone wondering, most of my family has been on this continent since the 1500s.

According to the family tree through my dad's mother I'm related to Pocahontas. Basically my ancestor married her great great grand niece in the early 1700s. So throughout that side of the family they've been here for a while lol.

Seriously though, the majority of the families there have been there for ages.

 

[Korey]

We're not talking about the South as a whole, we're talking about Eastern Kentucky. And Eastern Kentucky is nothing like Mississippi or Georgia. Completely different culture.

You're talking about Kentucky. I think most of us are judging the South as a whole

 

[Pollux]

You're talking about Kentucky. I think most of us are judging the South as a whole

Considering this whole thing is about a church in Kentucky, it seemed to make sense to me that we were discussing Kentucky.

 

[MWS Natural]

I know they have to SAY that it's not Racist... but what other possible explanation could there be for not allowing this? There is no way to spin this for it not to be racist and GAF I challenge you to prove me wrong!

I've seen some amazing mental gymnastics performed when it comes to denying racism.

 

[Orayn]

I've seen some amazing mental gymnastics performed when it comes to denying racism.

But those people (claim to) have black friends! How could they be racists?

 

[childplease]

Whats the legality on the matter ? If they are privately funded then they are allowed to do this right? but if they receive public funds they are not correct ?

 

[sixteen-bit]

Abstaining from that vote is voting yes but being too chickenshit to own up to it.

Exactly

 

[Orayn]

Whats the legality on the matter ? If they are privately funded then they are allowed to do this right? but if they receive public funds they are not correct ?

All churches are kinda-sorta-subsidized through their tax exempt status, but yeah, they can enforce whatever kind of messed up dogma they want.

 

[MWS Natural]

I meant to put an explanation point after my sentence regarding the one drop rule. But I am aware of Obama. Sad that he was forced and felt comfortable being identified as black rather than identifying biracial. Well there isn't even an option to begin with. Sad case that biracial's (black/white) have to identify as being "black" because of a stupid rule. I don't have a problem with it per se. But I want to honor both parents for their open minded decision to love one another for their character and not skin color.

Huh??

 

[SleepyJohn11]

I meant to put an explanation point after my sentence regarding the one drop rule. But I am aware of Obama. Sad that he was forced and felt comfortable being identified as black rather than identifying biracial. Well there isn't even an option to begin with. Sad case that biracial's (black/white) have to identify as being "black" because of a stupid rule. I don't have a problem with it per se. But I want to honor both parents for their open minded decision to love one another for their character and not skin color.

It just goes back to the strict meaning of what is white. But I don't he was forced though.

Sometimes I like to think Obama is black and white.

He's both at the same time...

 

[YoungHav]

This. I've never met a racist who owned up to it - it's as if they're strangely ashamed of their own hate. Why do you think that is?

lmao. Because U.S. white people have been shamed to hell and back about racism to the point that "racist" is the worst thing you can call one. So in their heads, no matter how outlandish they are they can never be THAT (racist). LOL even here I bet you only 5 people consider themselves racist when there is always some wild ignorant shit posted in race threads. They are aware of how they act when they are around minorities. Racist minorities don't care about appearing racist because they haven't been shamed so they don't care about subtlety as much (lol and will follow my black ass making sure I don't steal $2 worth of soda).

And I always get a laugh when people are surprised by racism. White supremacy was awesome for some unfortunately and it will take more than 150yrs to mourn it's loss; I mean even the commander in chief is black now! What happened to the good old days?

lol it's funny I read some "male victimization" posts here as if sexism isn't rampant for women. How do you think racist whites feel now? All this equality stuff is traumatizing for them! Now the gays are coming for their marriage too!!?!!?

 

[Korey]

lmao. Because U.S. white people have been shamed to hell and back about racism to the point that "racist" is the worst thing you can call one. So in their heads, no matter how outlandish they are they can never be THAT (racist). LOL even here I bet you only 5 people consider themselves racist when there is always some wild ignorant shit posted in race threads. They are aware of how they act when they are around minorities. Racist minorities don't care about appearing racist because they haven't been shamed so they don't care about subtlety as much (lol and will follow my black ass making sure I don't steal $2 worth of soda).

And I always get a laugh when people are surprised by racism. White supremacy was awesome for some unfortunately and it will take more than 150yrs to mourn it's loss; I mean even the commander in chief is black now! What happened to the good old days?

lol it's funny I read some "male victimization" posts here as if sexism isn't rampant for women. How do you think racist whites feel now? All this equality stuff is traumatizing for them! Now the gays are coming for their marriage too!!?!!?

Amazing post. A few things I never considered before

 

[nel e nel]

You have to be kidding me....

Yes, I was. Lighten up a little, it's Friday

 

[nel e nel]

lmao. Because U.S. white people have been shamed to hell and back about racism to the point that "racist" is the worst thing you can call one. So in their heads, no matter how outlandish they are they can never be THAT (racist). LOL even here I bet you only 5 people consider themselves racist when there is always some wild ignorant shit posted in race threads. They are aware of how they act when they are around minorities. Racist minorities don't care about appearing racist because they haven't been shamed so they don't care about subtlety as much (lol and will follow my black ass making sure I don't steal $2 worth of soda).

And I always get a laugh when people are surprised by racism. White supremacy was awesome for some unfortunately and it will take more than 150yrs to mourn it's loss; I mean even the commander in chief is black now! What happened to the good old days?

lol it's funny I read some "male victimization" posts here as if sexism isn't rampant for women. How do you think racist whites feel now? All this equality stuff is traumatizing for them! Now the gays are coming for their marriage too!!?!!?

Thank you for this.

whiteliberalguilt.gif

 

[SmokyDave]

And I always get a laugh when people are surprised by racism. White supremacy was awesome for some unfortunately and it will take more than 150yrs to mourn it's loss; I mean even the commander in chief is black now! What happened to the good old days?

I don't think people are surprised at racism. I think they're surprised when it's as 'in your face' as this is.

"I wish my church didn't have any interracial couples" - Not surprising racism.

"This church officially will not allow interracial couples" - Surprising racism.

We all know what lurks beneath the surface but it's still strange when it rears its head and breaks the water.

 

[nel e nel]

I don't think people are surprised at racism. I think they're surprised when it's as 'in your face' as this is.

"I wish my church didn't have any interracial couples" - Not surprising racism.

"This church officially will not allow interracial couples" - Surprising racism.

We all know what lurks beneath the surface but it's still strange when it rears its head and breaks the water.

I think you're missing his point. He's talking more about folks being surprised of being accused of being racist when they have this image of themselves as being not racist.

Just because you listen to Lil Wayne and Jay-Z don't drop N-bombs doesn't mean you're not racist.

whiteliberalguilt.gif

 

[ecurbj]

Huh??

I worded it incorrectly. He wasn't forced but society chose to identify him as being black. And I'm just upset that mixed or biracials cannot have their own identification according to government. We have to choose Black or White or simply Other. And sometimes that's not even an option.

It just goes back to the strict meaning of what is white. But I don't he was forced though.

Sometimes I like to think Obama is black and white.

He's both at the same time...

Government wise he is Black. Society identities him Black. Biracials cannot identify mixed people simply as biracials because of the stupid one drop rule. I want and most biracials want both parents to be idenitfied not just the Black parent.

 

[Shanadeus]

.

 

[nel e nel]

Government wise he is Black. Society identities him Black. Biracials cannot identify mixed people simply as biracials because of the stupid one drop rule. I want and most biracials want both parents to be idenitfied not just the Black parent.

Government wise you are whatever box(es) you check off on any application or form you fill out.

Society wise depends on what society.

If you want an interesting look at the whole 'one drop' mentality, check out Rabbit Proof Fence. There is a gut wrenching scene in that where Kenneth Branaugh's character breaks down the whole imperial 'science' of 'breeding out the black' of mixed race aboriginals.

 

[speculawyer]

I'm glad they have the courage of their principles. Now everyone else can laugh at them.

 

[Pollux]

Yes, I was. Lighten up a little, it's Friday

it's finals period...i can't joke right now. sorry bout that.

 

[ecurbj]

That is really silly.
He is clearly black and white, is it so hard to see that?

Well personally I can see he mixed. Not just by his mother and father as proof but his facial features and such.

Government wise you are whatever box(es) you check off on any application or form you fill out.

Society wise depends on what society.

If you want an interesting look at the whole 'one drop' mentality, check out Rabbit Proof Fence. There is a gut wrenching scene in that where Kenneth Branaugh's character breaks down the whole imperial 'science' of 'breeding out the black' of mixed race aboriginals.

I typically check black and white. Because those are what my parents are (father/white and mother/black). If there isn't a selection for selecting both I choose other. It's ignorant to just chose one race over the other if your mixed

Thanks for the movie recommendation. I apperciate it. I will check it out. I hope I don't come off as being racist or anything but some of my Caucasian friends sometimes identify as me being Black but when I look at their history they typically never were exposed or had black friends to begin with so I could see why they would call me typically black.

 

[JGS]

Update

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/12/01/1979905/free-will-baptist-executive-office.html

The pastor of a small Pike County church that voted against accepting interracial couples as members said he will ask the congregation to overturn the decision.

Stacy Stepp, pastor of the Gulnare Free Will Baptist Church, said he will seek a new vote on the issue, perhaps as early as Sunday.

Stepp said he is confident members of the church, which has about 45 members, will overturn the earlier decision.

"We're going to get it resolved," Stepp said.

They also posted Free Will Baptist response:

•National Free Will Baptist executive officestatement regarding interracial couples

ANTIOCH, Tenn. — Recently, the action of a Free Will Baptist church in the state of Kentucky raised questions regarding the position of the National Association of Free Will Baptists on interracial couples. This statement is intended to bring clarity to the subject.

The National Association of Free Will Baptists does not have an official policy regarding interracial couples because it has not been an issue in the denomination. The Free Will Baptist Treatise neither condemns nor disallows marriage between a man and woman of different races.

Free Will Baptists have historically championed the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of race. The denomination's leadership in the abolition movement is evidence of that fact. Free Will Baptists currently spend millions of dollars each year to take the good news of Jesus Christ to people of every race.

Many interracial couples are members of Free Will Baptist churches. They are loved, accepted, and respected by their congregations. It is unfair and inaccurate to characterize the denomination as racist.

It is our understanding that steps are being taken by the church in question to reverse its decision. We encourage the church to follow through with this action. Leaders from the local conference and state association in Kentucky are working with the church to resolve this matter.