Army platoon based in Alaska hosts a "Racial Thursday" where every racial slur is not only allowed but encouraged. Seriously?

Courtesy of the Army Times:  

The Army is investigating allegations that a platoon of soldiers was given a free pass to use racial slurs against each other during what was known as "Racial Thursdays." 

The soldiers belong to 2nd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, according to a member of the unit who spoke to Army Times. 

The battalion belongs to the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. 

"When I first got to my unit, someone said we should do 'Racial Thursdays' because it's been a tradition," said the soldier, who asked to remain anonymous. "It's something they made up where you can say any racist remark you want without any consequences. The platoon sergeant said no, but the shit is still going on." 

The soldier, a staff sergeant, added: "It's degrading to the soldiers. We've had soldiers almost fight over the crap that's going on here." 

The NCO, who is black, said no one has directed any racial slurs towards him because he made it clear he would not participate or put up with the practice. 

But he also said he felt compelled to bring the issue to the media because the unit "has a bad habit of sweeping things under the rug."

I think the first thing I would like to say is that the majority of soldiers stationed in Alaska are not themselves originally from Alaska.  In fact the military stationed up here comes from all over the country.

Having said that I should also admit that Alaskans are not inoculated from racism however, and we have had our fair share of racist hate, much of it directed at our native population.

I am not sure exactly how an idea such as "racial Thursday" came to be, but I can pretty much assume that it was the brainchild of some white guy who was itching to use the "N" word and not get busted for it.

It kind of makes you wonder if there was not a "gay bashing Saturday" and a "misogynistic Monday" to go along with "Racial Thursday?"

We certainly know there was a "Whore mongering Wednesday" because a soldier was arrested for it just last year.

I know that we are all supposed to worship at the feet of the military, but I think it better serves us to remember that a lot of these folks are actually just kids who come from some of the poorest rural areas in the country, and that they come to various parts of the world encumbered with the superstitions, stereotypes, and prejudices provided to them by their parents and communities.

And what is even more troubling, is that many will serve out their enlistments with all of those superstitions, stereotypes, and prejudices firmly intact. And some made even worse.