"Racism"

[GMDino]

(03-14-2018, 01:07 PM)Bengalzona Wrote: The word "racism" in the title is in quotations for a reason.

What constitutes racism in your mind?

I've heard some of my friends on the right side of the aisle claim that the word is bandied about and slung freely by those on the left side. My friends on the left side of the aisle fully believe we are in a time where racism is running rampant.

I can see both points of view to a degree. And, like many things, I think the truth lies somewhere in between.

Part of the problem I see is in the definition of what behavior is racist. Is someone who exhibits racial biases and stereotypes necessarily racist? Can they exhibit those types of behaviors without being necessarily a racist?

Think about those questions for a second. The Google definition of "racist" reads like this:


I think that is a pretty good definition and in line with what I think a racist is. But my question is, can someone have racial biases and stereotypes and still not necessarily be a racist?

I think that question is not so easily answered since I'm told that everyone has some degree of racial bias and everyone stereotypes to some degree. If that is true, at what point does it cross the line into actual racism? Or do you feel that there is no line between the two?

What are your thoughts?

I use to say yes they could.  I work with and know plenty of people who would fit that definition of racist that don't think are racist as much as they are ignorant.  But now I'd just say they are racist.  I might still like them otherwise but they are racist.

Of course I've also had discussion with people who said you can't make an ethnic joke without being a racist.  I disagree.  But that is a discussion on comedy and intent versus serious statements on others.

I also find racism entirely stupid.  I choose to dislike people on an individual basis based on their personal behavior rather than in large groups.

Now if they are marching in a large group and are in agreement with it they will get painted with that broad brush.  Everyone at the cross burning is a racist IMHO.  

It's complicated.