In testing whether Ima Racist satisfies GR consistency, we should get Ima to
In testing whether Ima Racist satisfies GR consistency, we should get Ima to
When Kennedy applied GR to racism (see Section 5.1), he first tried to get whites to understand what segregation was doing to black people. Blacks were treated as second class citizens because of skin color; they couldn't vote, go to the best public schools, eat at most public restaurants, or sit in the front of the bus. These actions brought further poverty, frustration, and a decreased sense of self-worth.
But the other factors are important too.
In testing whether Ima Racist satisfies GR consistency, we should get Ima to
Ima needs a vivid and accurate awareness of what it would be like to be discriminated against in their situation. Accordingly, he might read a novel or watch a movie that portrays their lives. Or he might listen to blacks who vividly describe their experiences. Or might, in a role-playing exercises, play a black person who is discriminated against.
But the other factors are important too.
In testing whether Ima Racist satisfies GR consistency, we should get Ima to
This is needed if Ima hates blacks so much that he desires that he be treated poorly if he were in their place. We can criticize Ima's hatred by getting him to understand why he has it (perhaps it comes from social conditioning or false beliefs). If Ima understood how his hatred originated and broadened his experience of blacks in an open way, his hate would lessen and he'd no longer desire that he be mistreated if he were in their place.
But the other factors are important too.
In testing whether Ima Racist satisfies GR consistency, we should get Ima to
If Ima discriminates against blacks, but doesn't consent to himself being treated that way in their place, then he's inconsistent and violating GR.
We shouldn't appeal to the golden rule too quickly. GR depends on understanding, imagination, and desires -- which may be flawed. After dealing with these factors, we can apply GR more rationally and effectively.
In testing whether Ima Racist satisfies GR consistency, we should get Ima to
GR works best when combined with a clear and correct understanding of the facts, a vivid and accurate use of our imagination, and desires which come from correct understanding (and not from propaganda and distortion). Only then can we be confident that it will lead us to do the right thing.