Re: the word 'racism'
What would it be like if someone was racist to ME?
Being white, and having assorted racist comments thrown at me over time....its still about seeing it in perspective.
First of all, there's the problem with people that do not understand what the word racist means. I don't mean those that feel something is racist and someone else thing is a genuine criticism, but the people that just don't understand the basics of the word. For example, I have been told that i am "racist against women". If you say something about a nationality, a religion, or a gender, then that, in no way, is a racist statement. it could be bigoted, biased, and prejudiced, but its not racist.
Second, too often its thrown out there too easily....any criticism of any group by a white person is 'racist'. Now yeah, there's some racists out there, but by the same token, sometimes the white person has a valid point, and that racism is an out to avoid having it be discussed just leads to greater problems. It, nazi, and fascist are getting tossed around all over the place now, and it delutes the meaning for when its really neccessary to use and actually fits. Not to mention that often, the people that throw it around most, are those that are of some minority, and hold racist views toward whites. Note i say throw it around most, not any time anyone accuses someone white of being a racist they are a racist.
I'd also agree, anyone that says "i'm not a racist but..." is about to say something taht is probably racist. If it wasn't racist, they'd not need to be defending themselves that quickly because what they say will stand on its own.
