>Should I be shamed for something that long ago? I don't personally think it's productive. I see your point, but surely you see how this is a bit self-serving,

>Should I be shamed for something that long ago? I don't personally think it's productive. I see your point, but surely you see how this is a bit self-serving, that you'd give yourself a pass. I'm not saying I necessarily agree with holding people to long-ago behavior, but the argument is that your actions had consequences on other people, often people who didn't have a voice at that time. It's easy for the white person who said/did racist things in their past to say it was a long time ago and they've changed so what's the big deal (note: not accusing you of this, just an example) whereas the black people on the receiving end might see it differently. When I was growing up it was very common and acceptable to use f*g/other gay slurs as a normal part of conversation. I could say that it didn't mean anything and was just how we talked, but then again I'm not gay and didn't have to live with it.