What I was referring to was that antipathy
against groups such as blacks or Chicanos
in the US (who remain relatively impoverished)
was STRONGEST among low-status whites who
felt most threatened by the economic progress and
competition of the minorities.

YES CRAP.

Why are they low status, from choice?
Why are property values devalued when ethnic people live there? because of working class?
Why are education options lower, because of working class?
Why are integration problems an issue, because of working class when they are the only ones to even suggest they speak english or pull their weight (racist for saying so, silly)
Why is their labour exploited, because of working class?

Maybe you should ask why there is a low class in a rich society and perhaps one day realise they have far more class than you give them credit. Most of the time they are the only ones that are actually colour blind. Easier to blame working class than re-distribute wealth I guess. Sick.

TM
I understand your concern, however, I think you are being a little unfair on foxy. She was using academic terms not passing judgement, or putting anyone down.

It means in this context poor people who have menial jobs or low paying jobs. In short the most vulnerable i.e. if there is a down turn or change in the market they are the ones who feel it first and have the biggest effect on their lives.

Of course there are a multitude of reasons why this comes about.In some southern rural states there is little regular work and it is appallingly paid. Poverty, poor education, lousy health care etc.
The condition of a lot of these people is appalling.

Keep in mind that the USA is the land of more profits and extremes in wealth.

These people live in constant fear of one type or another, they have no power. In this environment the biggest fear is that migrants might take their jobs.
In truth there are several reasons why such poverty is so common there, however, people respond to what they see this is not always the full story.

Terms like low status means all this. foxy was as I said not passing judgement on the people as individuals. Of course some have more class than some pollies or Drs I know.

Statistics show that racist views, actions etc are more common in these states and areas that suffer these problems.

The trick is how do we fix it? common sense says raise the standard of living but how?

Look at any community then watch what happens when outside forces threaten its livelihood e.g. go to a forestry community and mention conservation, and duck. The people are so concerned with their lives etc they don't want to know about the wider truth. Even if it's roll gold reality.The people will blame everybody else other than themselves, city folks, pollies, greenies scientists etc.
Simply human nature.

Missus,

'What you think the mindless drible of some rich wally starting a thread about how they spoke to a person of African descent is not racist, nice? Like a cute museum exotic artifact?'

I thought I was alone on that one. Geez I like a lot of your posts.

Missus and Houellebecq

Do not judge everyone by your standards, firstly, the last thing I am is wealthy. I rent a house in Mt Druitt because the rent is low, and like a lot of the self centered people on here I take a genuine interest in everyone and would even talk to you if you had been there. He volunteered the story, and I was genuinely interested.

Keep on believing anything that makes you feel better about yourself. I know who I am, and I have a completely clear conscious.

But I am glad you have been following my posts Houellebecq, the more criticism I receive the better, it means I am hitting a nerve. Pity you weren't reading them though.

Wbong,

Be aware Houellebecq like Col labours under the delusion that it is clever and or funny to stir. In reality the subtlety, timing ,wit, humour, originality, sensitivity or delicate touch that satire requires are sadly absent.

in the words of Houellebecq "OLO is a graffiti wall...on which he has fun"

"The left"(?) more pejorative labeling nonsense in leu of an argument or proof....left of what?
Examinator are you trying to tell us you don't know ? Half past common sense, quarter past logic, ten minutes to stupidity, totally useless to the hour, that's what the "Left" means. Of course as an insider you wouldn't notice but I assure you for an outside observer it's clearer than daylight.
Left, wrong, same thing.