Posts Tagged definition of racism
Are you a racist?
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, DC Footbal Team, How to talk about race, Media, Racism/Discrimination, Stereotypes, the N word on October 12th, 2009
Are you a racist? It seems the media has redefined the term recently. But the dictionary defines a racist as, “a person with a prejudiced belief that one race is superior to others.” That’s a pretty clear definition right? By this definition in order to call someone a racist you have to know what their beliefs are. And unless they make their viewpoints clear, you have to guess or assume what’s in their hearts.
But, here’s the rub and an added connotation, a racist is a person who practices racism.
Practicing racism looks like, “bias, prejudice and preconception.” Racism is any act of prejudging or preferring another race. So, if I had a choice between a black doctor and a white doctor of equal qualifications and considered race in making my decision, I’d be practicing racism no matter which physician I selected.
Is anyone who considers differences in the races practicing racism? Is it okay to sometimes consider those differences? Now we’re moving from what’s in a man’s heart to his behavior and experiences.
Who decides if something is an act of racism anyway? The media? The accused? The majority? The minority? I used to look at stuff and judge it as racist all the time, but I’m rethinking that now.
Consider these scenarios from previous posts. Is using the “N” word racist? What about the word “Redskin?” Are certain types of jokes racist?
I know, the line is getting fuzzier now. Are you a racist? Not if you don’t think your race is superior over another. Do you practice racism? In my opinion, we all are at some time guilty of racism. Did you take the Implicit Association Test?
What’s your opinion of all of this? Does everyone have some racist tendencies? And let me just ask the real question I’m thinking, is all racism wrong? Let’s talk…
What is reverse racism?
Posted by admin in Have we overcome?, Racism/Discrimination on August 19th, 2009
Webster’s defines racism as, “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.” So then, what is reverse racism?
I discovered two prominent definitions.
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Reverse racism is when white people are discriminated against by minorities. For example, denying service to a white person at an African restaurant.
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Reverse racism is when members of the traditionally minority race are favored over the majority race. Such as serving an African before a white patron at same said restaurant.
It is termed “reverse racism” because usually racism is directed at the minority population. Reverse racism is not the reverse of racism, it is racism directed at white people, the majority. Consequently, reverse racism is, in fact, still racism. Right?
So when my white friend says she’s been denied three jobs because the company needed more minority hires, is that racism? When a college gives more scholarships to Latinos than whites, is that racism? Are race quotas racism? Is Affirmative Action racism?
I know I’m on shaky ground here. I’m being politically incorrect. Ironically, I can’t even say for sure that I haven’t benefited from some of these racist policies. But aren’t they nevertheless racist policies? While the original intention may have been to level opportunities for advancement, have we now gone to the other extreme?
A white man said to me just a few weeks ago, “My race and gender limit my ability to work in this town.” I don’t know if that’s true, but if he perceives it to be true, something is flawed. I thought our intention was equality. Has it now shifted to minority control and power at the expense of white people?
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe racism against minorities is dead. I just think it’s noteworthy that now white people are being discriminated against as well. Are we a nation that needs to find someone to show favoritism to? Is it possible to live in a truly equal society as Dr. King dreamed of?
I’m just rambling. Asking questions I don’t know the answers to. I’d love to mull over your thoughts and experiences. What do you think of “reverse racism?” Let’s talk…
Two (or Three) Dumb Things White People Say
Posted by admin in Racism/Discrimination on December 27th, 2008
Forgive the title of this post, but I’m sorry, some things white people say are just dumb.
My personal favorite dumb thing white people say is, “I don’t see color.” Come on, really? You can honestly say you look at me and don’t see my color? Are you blind? And what is wrong with seeing my color anyway? I think what people really mean is, “I see your color but I won’t judge you in any way because of it.” I don’t believe that either, but it wouldn’t be a dumb thing to say.
To say you don’t see my color insults my intelligence. To say my color doesn’t matter is contrary to my experience. If my color matters and is apparent to my husband of 20 years, it must be significant to every other white person I encounter. Of course my color matters. Regardless of what you say or how politically correct you want to be, race matters. It just does.
Which brings me to another dumb thing white people say, “Racism doesn’t exist anymore.” According to Webster’s Online Dictionary racism is, “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.”
I am fascinated that there are people living in the United States who think racism doesn’t exist. I understand that racism might be outside of someone’s experience. For example if you only know people of your race you probably have never seen racism. But do you watch the news? Do you know the statistics? If you are one of those people who thinks racism doesn’t exist, I challenge you to do a little research. Do a Google search of “racism statistics” or “racism incidents.” Read up a little on it and let me know what you think.
Okay, those are the two dumb things white people say. But I have to get one more in. Please white people stop saying, “I have a good friend who is black.” I cringe whenever someone says that to me. I’m not even sure why. Maybe because it implies too much.
Do you agree? Would you add something to this list? What do you say? Let’s talk…
I Didn’t Vote for Obama
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, Current Events, Stereotypes on December 22nd, 2008
Another acquaintance was angrily shouted, “How could I vote for John McCain?” Again, interesting because I never told him I voted for McCain.
Let me explain why I didn’t vote for Obama. First, I am unashamedly pro life. Second, I want a president who has more experience. It really is that simple. Those were my two issues and Obama failed miserably (in my opinion) on both of them.
I don’t need rehab, I didn’t neglect my race. I made an informed decision based on two issues important to me. You want to hear something crazy - race had nothing to do with my vote.
Please know that I respect the office of President of the United States. As a black woman I am extremely proud that our country has entered into this historic stage. I wish Obama the best and I pray for him and his family almost daily.
Now that you know where I stand, let me hear from you. Why are black people so bothered about me not voting for Obama? Do you think I should have voted for him because he’s black? Let’s talk….
