Public Opinions (black vs white) of Freemasonry

[Joseph Thornton]

My perception is that of the issues of fear, paranoia, ridicule, and concern surrounding Freemasonry is that it seems more prevalent in the white community. If they knew what masons (not the same as understanding) are doing they may just view it as childish or immature or a waist of time. Granted I am sure black masons get a fair share of backlash.

My perception is most black people either have no opinion, or they are Masons (usually PH), or have relatives that are, or they actually respect Freemasonry. When they see the C&S they tend to have a positive feeling or at least nuetral.

As communities go it seems to me blacks are less likely to get caught up in the conspiracies or religious paranoia of the Craft.

Do you think that is an accurate perception? If so why? Or why not?

 

[hanzosbm]

Well, for one thing, I don't know that generalizing or stereotyping is going to be constructive. That goes for both positive and negative generalizations. Secondly, I don't know that many (if any) people could accurately answer that question. I think one would have to be an equal part of both communities to be able to speak to these points, which I don't think is really possible, or at least VERY difficult to be a perfectly equal part of both. Without that kind of insight, all you can really get are one sided opinions, which aren't bad, but if you're trying to compare the two experiences, it doesn't really work.
I also think that it's going to vary greatly depending on the area you're in. When I lived in Kentucky, it felt like everyone was a Mason. Here in California, it's very rare. So you've got that working against you also.

 

[Joseph Thornton]

It's just a forum for chatting. I was simply stirring the pot. Opinions are just fine since we aren't looking for any documented fact about "perception".

 

[MRichard]

Probably not in your best interest to do so and your comments could be easily misinterpreted. It is a humbling process to become a master mason of a regular lodge. Use the site to read, learn, and ask questions.

 

[NY.Light.II]

Re: OP, see B.o.b's recent claim that Neil deGrasse Tyson is a mason because he claims the world is round *gasp*. These perceptions are limited to sanity, not race.

 

[Warrior1256]

Use the site to read, learn, and ask questions.

This is what I mostly do as I have only been a MM for 17 months. I observe the back and forth on the forum although I do also ask questions and make comments.

 

[MRichard]

This is what I mostly do as I have only been a MM for 17 months. I observe the back and forth on the forum although I do also ask questions and make comments.

I was raised a year ago from today. Learned alot from this site regarding the non-esoteric side of masonry.

 

[Warrior1256]

I was raised a year ago from today. Learned alot from this site regarding the non-esoteric side of masonry.

Same here. I have learned A LOT from these forums.

 

[Bloke]

Hi Joseph.

There are two things we cannot discuss in lodge, religion and politics. This is true of all regular jurisdictions.

The topic is likely to get into both areas. That said, we're not in lodge, but we are in a masonic forum read by all.

Freemasonry focuses on what unites men, not on what divides them. Often when a divisive topic arises, it gets shut down in lodge or social meeting. We look for common ground and universal values.

That said, we're adults and should approach all with respect and some of th best conversations on religion and politics ive witnessed were between masons outside lodge.

All that said, the issue in the OP is not here in Melbourne Australia.