[HPFGU-OTChatter] assumptions of race

[Michela Ecks]

Scott wrote:
> 
> So my question is what do we assume when race isn't given? The race
> of the author? Our own race? It's not always a clear cut question.

I've been reading the thread on the main list with some interest... but
in answer to that question, I tend to assume the person is white because
I'm white and that's the easiest way for me to picture people...  (Which
is one of those things that if you translate this to the net, the
results may suprise you.  My best friend on the net for five years and I
met about a year ago...  I knew he had brown hair and brown eyes but it
never occurred to me to ask "Are you black?" and he didn't tell me so
there was some initial shock.)

And even when race is mentioned in some cases, it's hard to adjust
preconcieved thoughts and translate them into mental images.   I know in
the Honor Harrington books that the Queen (I just forgot her name. 
Elizabeth?) is dark skinned (it's in the future and not sure on the
wording there) as is Michelle Henke but with few exceptions in that
series, I'm not capable over over riding my cultural programming and
turning them into a different color/ethnicity...

And this all sounds probably some what arrogant and offensive.... dah
:o(  Just never really thought much about it before.

-- 
Michela Ecks - mecks at prodigy.net - Textual Poacher - Spastic Hale Girl
"Babylon 5 was last of the Babylon stations. There would never be
another. It changed the future and it changed us. It taught us that we
have to create the future or others will do it for us. It taught us
that we have to care for one other, because if we don't, who will? And
that true strength sometimes comes from the most unlikely of places.
Mostly though, I think it gave us hope that there can always be new
beginnings, even for people like us." - Susan Ivanova