Can white people avoid being racist?

The 'ism' is what always lent it an air of officialdom or systematization to me, making me think of it only in the institutional sense. The prejudice vs. racism or racism vs. institutional racism discussion has been a common point of disagreement, particularly in the last 25 years, in the way the debate is framed in the US. But I think everyone here agrees on the central point that minorities' racial antagonism is toothless, because the minorities are powerless to effectuate their views on anything other than a personal level, as opposed to the majority, who standardize their biases at the societal level and erect the broader social structures on top. FG, the definition that I think TDK and I are using is definition #2 (below). But the use of the term 'institutional' is definitely more precise and can help us avoid confusion in the future.


rac·ism
[rey-siz-uhm] Definition HERE
noun
1.
a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2.
a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3.
hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

 

I agree, but I'm using the Webster definition of both. The discussion about the definition is most definitely on a different level in the us
perhaps for obvious reasons. I use the word 'racism' as a personal belief and treatment of others and, this, it encompasses all peoples beliefs and actions in regards to this. Which, to me further denotes 'institutionalized racism' as once racism is involved in economics and governmental policies such as it is today in the us. The me, that is imoprtant . that is why its hard to have this discussion when people have different definitions. Like I said before, this is something I have never encountered until I got to the us. But I stand by my definition as it is my belief that is someone thinks that I am less worth because I am white and treat me bad because of it, its racism, as it would be called racism if it was reversed. Now, obviously that would never be institutionalized racism as only whites have that on lock. Then if someone else chooses to call that prejudice etc instead is something I simply dont agree with, in the end, the general idea is the same I guess.

 

You're right. It's more precise to label a differential treatment of someone based on race as 'racist'. The personal level can impact interpersonal relations, but the institutional variety is far more relevant in my opinion. I don't care if everyone hates me, as long as they don't have the capacity to define and limit my life chances.

 

Totally agree

 

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