Free-write: Racist Groups/Blee

I read an excerpt of a book called Inside Organized Racism by Kathleen Blee and was both shocked and appalled by how many racial groups still exist today. Blee discusses how fear was a main component in racial organizations and how these groups use fear, threats and intimidation to gain power over their opponents. It was fascinating to hear Blee say that the more relaxed she became around her interviewees from different groups actually gave her less results in her in fieldwork because the sense of fear that she originally had led her to take more precautions and to think harder. It takes a special person to go out and risk your life for research but without these courageous people to go outside boundaries and explore. The outcomes of not learning from and about racist groups and other such untouchable subjects is a much greater tragedy than leaving the topic alone.
Using participant observation Blee was able to gain insight into their racial beliefs, which helped her understand their descriptions of their racist identities. She was sympathetic and tried with all her might to understand the world through their eyes. Although joining a racist group may seem disturbing and in all ways wrong, there are some good aspects incorporated into them. They are a community with loyalty, honesty (how many people are willing to openly admit that they are racist?), friendship and teamwork. Disturbingly, racist groups seem to be ordinary, as they have picnics, play games and have social gatherings, other than their beliefs of course. But what is an ordinary belief anyway?
Every culture has their own identity and as scary as it may seem, racist groups, much to our dismay, are just another congregation of people with the same beliefs. To Americans, Bull Fighting seems inhumane, but to those who grew up in a Mexican culture, it is a sport of strength and great honor.