Windmiller second response

I think that Baldwin would be surprised about what is going on now. The idea of an African-American President in the United States as well as the idea of Civil Unions for those of different sexualities. Not everything is as resolved as we all would like, and won't ever be to the extent we idealize. It's cynical, I know. But as I stated before, prejudice won't disappear. Realistically, it is impossible. It is comparable to the idea of the "No Child Left Behind" having a 100% pass rate, it is impossible.

People can make a difference on an individual basis, and potentially influence someone else, and that is the extent. By the time racism would come into a discussion, it would already be cemented, most likely. I got into a discussion with a very homophobic guy once, and the discussion got around to stereotypes. He put me down constantly for my sexuality, and we'd argue, and each time I'd make a little bit of a difference. It got to a point where he started calling me "Faggot." to 'joke' but the malice was easily detectable.

I have the philosophy that words are words. I decided to say "Fine. You can call me what you like if I can call you whatever I want." And, I don't think it was great of me to do, but I began to call him "Nigger." and coupling it with just as many negative stereotypes as he did for faggot. Eventually, he decided that I'm right, and insulting me based on my sexuality, something entirely out of my control is stupid, and he decided to be a bit more open, so although the method isn't the best, I tried.

It took me months of enduring his prejudice. And it was online. Offline, I would have given up, doubtlessly. So... I'm somewhat cynical about the idea of eliminating it altogether, but people can do their best to contribute and make it rarer.