African American

MadDAsHell

(2,067 posts)

15. The words "racism" and "racist" are meaningless in today's American society.

Reply to 1StrongBlackMan (Original post)

Mon Jul 18, 2016, 12:37 PM

Jul 2016

While it would be great if the terms were used correctly, the simple fact is often (maybe even most of the time) they're not, and it's been that way for decades. Combine that with the fact that in some circles (on both sides of the political aisle) these terms have occasionally purposely been used inaccurately because of the devastation that an accusation of racism can bring on one's political opponents, and all in all we can confidently say that as an American society we have rendered these terms completely meaningless. Kids today are so used to hearing "this is racist, that is racist, everyone's racist," etc., that "racist" means nothing to them anymore.

I'd much prefer we put the word aside and use something else that hasn't been so politicized.

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*** Posted to the African-American Group *** [View all] 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 OP

I dont' know why Coolest Ranger Jul 2016 #1

Or, hopefully, a more accurate description ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #2

No Coolest Ranger Jul 2016 #5

I am not sure I see the difference between a racist act verses a bigoted act. As to the first point still_one Jul 2016 #3

Bigotry is related to the individual; whereas, racism is institutional ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #6

And yet institutional bigotry exists, making that definintion insufficient. Bluenorthwest Jul 2016 #7

That is true, though it does not apply in terms of race/ethnicity ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #8

Thank-you, that was a great explanation still_one Jul 2016 #12

I'm so glad you understood that ... and will add ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #13

Excellent n/t JustAnotherGen Jul 2016 #14

Okay, I get it. I'll start using the words that way. Thanks for the nudge. Nitram Jul 2016 #19

I must say that I agree, the term is over, and incorrectly, used ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #21

It is difficult to change the common meanings of words, and to persuade the public to stop... Nitram Jul 2016 #23

Well, I'll be ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #24

Might I suggest Uponthegears Jul 2016 #4

maybe people support the definitions that reinforce their own views. nt msongs Jul 2016 #9

Academics might; but, those articles rarely see the light of day because of the peer-review process. 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #10

It's a reactionary viewpoint, imo. Starry Messenger Jul 2016 #11

The words "racism" and "racist" are meaningless in today's American society. MadDAsHell Jul 2016 #15

It's not meaningless to it's victims. 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #17

I agree, but there's a lack of sympathy FOR those victims because the word has been co-opted. MadDAsHell Jul 2016 #25

I understand that the academic community has decided that racism requires... Nitram Jul 2016 #16

You have defined the term (race-based) bigotry ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #18

We (and by we I mean white people) gollygee Jul 2016 #20

No ... It is important that others see things phrased a different way. Thanks. 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #22

That always baffles me too, 1SB. lovemydog Jul 2016 #26

An awful lot of white people, men especially The Polack MSgt Jul 2016 #27

You nailed it JustAnotherGen Jul 2016 #28

I take to applying the definition of a word from a linguistic approach. Glassunion Jul 2016 #29

I'll stick with the definition the academics have concluded, more accurately describes the phenomena 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2016 #30

We are (hopefully) all looking to ending racism. Glassunion Jul 2016 #31