Quote:
Originally posted by MysticCat81
Why is it a discriminatory definition? And how does it excuse acts from one group?
That's like saying one excuses defamatory statements that are not in writing by refusing to call them "libel." But such defamatory statements are not excused, they are just given a different name -- slander -- because they don't fit the definition of libel.
By that same token, and again assuming the more limited definition of "racism," saying that an act like the one described at the start of this thread is not "racist" doesn't excuse the act; it just says that "racism" is not the correct label for it.
Personally, I think there is some value in insisting on precise definitions of words like "racism." Otherwise, such words can become so vague and overused that they start to lose any real meaning.
|
I just felt that it was a discriminatory definition because it was based upon a social power structure.... I've always seen racism and bigotry being different sides of the same coin, both operating on different levels but equally damaging to society.
To me "Racism" is based on the misguided and ingnorant belief that attributes such as intellect, or moral character are genically determined - usually based upon the false foundation that one's ethnic background is superior to others - whether or not that belief is mirrored by the power structure of society - to me power is an aspect of racism but not the primary determining characteristic.
Threaded Mode