08-28-2020, 04:32 PM
(08-28-2020, 12:17 PM)Dill Wrote: Sorry I am late getting back to this. Thanks again for responding.
It would bother me as well if someone decries racism and then turns around and makes racist statements or promotes racism in actions. But I don't think Biden was doing that in choosing Kamala. I also don't think his goal is "equality of outcome" but equal opportunity.
Above, in post # 210, I write the following towards a definition of "racism":
A definition of "racism" I'd say, at a minimum, ought to include a belief that "race" is a biological given, not a social/cultural construction, a belief that some "races" are inherently superior or inferior, and that this inherence ought to be reflected in political order. This basis is necessary even where people insist that "racism" can only be behavior, not thought and belief unacted, or when it can only be "systemic."
Seems to me Biden's reasons for choosing Kamala don't fall under this definition, don't exemplify "more racism." Racism is not just any old use of race as a selection criterion, and most especially not when motivated by a belief in racial equality, not racial inequality.
I ascribe to the "plain Jane" definition of racism: "prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group"
Anytime someone feels the need to change or edit that definition, to me, is a sign of that person trying to get away with being a racist or excusing someone else's racism.
As to Biden, let's say he said that he preferred his VP was a white male. Would you still say that he's not being racist?