In reading diary after diary here on Kos discussing issues of "race" and "racism," I've come to believe that many people simply do not understand what the words "racism" and particularly, "racist" mean.
Many of us are being told that in using the word "racist" we are "painting with too broad a brush."
Let's just take moment to clairify the definition of these words.
For many people, this extreme example constitutes what they think "racism" is:
The truth is that "racism" according to the definitive dictionary of the English language, a tome written by literally hundreds of scholars who take care with every word they use, the Oxford English Dictionary,
Racism is defined as:
- The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
- Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
It really is that simple folks. If you engage in either one of these activities, you are engaging in racist behavior.
You don't have to be a member of the KKK. You don't have to wear a white sheet instead of sleeping in it, or put up a burning cross in anyone's front lawn like you would a pink flamingo. Hell, you don't even have to use the word "ni--er."
According to this very simple, and widely agreed upon definition, if you "discriminate" or "prejudice" someone because of their race, you are a racist.
There is a reason that the Klan was known as the "Invisible Empire." It was not because all the people hid themselves in white sheets and pointy hats. It was because "racists" looked like everyone else...they just blended right in with society.
I'm frankly astonished at how much racist language and talk people accept here on a "progressive" blog, let alone in the Democratic party.
Conclusion based upon the comments: No, we obviously cannot even agree on this point. If we continue to diagnose a "cancer" as a "common cold," we are never going to find a cure for this malady of racism.