[Shelacious]

I don't usually step into these types of issues on Greekchat, but...

I looked up, in Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of "Racism": 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. 2: racial prejudice or discrimination.

Prejudice: injury or damage resulting from some judgement or action of another in disregard of one's rights (esp. legal rights). 2: preconceived judgment or opinion 2a)an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.

Discrimination: (I've selected the most relevant defs): To mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of. 2: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit

Ignorant: Destitute of knowledge or education; lacking knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified. Ignorant may imply a general condition or it may apply to a lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing.

I don't know Shaq personally. I don't know his motivation when he made the "comment," so anything I say at this point is total conjecture. I just don't think that Shaq's statement fits the classic definition of "racism." I would more likely say that Shaq is ignorant (he may have assumed that Yeo and the general public would think that his comment was funny or inoffensive, when it was neither) or that maybe he is prejudiced (although my question is whether HE thought his comment formed an "adverse opinion," although most folks would say for certain his comment was both offensive and formed an adverse opinion).

Do I think it should be swept under the rug: NO. Just because I'm not seeing a case for racism doesn't mean that either ignorance or prejudice is acceptable. He should apologize publicly, and plan on educating himself about the Chinese culture (some courses at UCLA or Cal State LA, community service and a donation to a Chinese community group would certainly be a good start).

Last note on racism: I think that some folks (and yes, I also mean some of our civil rights groups) have sounded the alarm on the word "racism" so much that it has lessened its significance. To call someone a "racist" or to allege racism is a very serious charge, and one that should not be levied lightly, which I fear, has happened far too much in our society. I have been guilty of this charge--and one I hope to be more careful about in the future.