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Racism (Original Post) GummyBearz Feb 2015 OP
How do you define racism? Brickbat Feb 2015 #1
I go by the dictionary definition GummyBearz Feb 2015 #6
That's fine. You'll find that many go by another definition. kwassa Feb 2015 #8
Yea GummyBearz Feb 2015 #9
At DU? JustAnotherGen Feb 2015 #11
... the definition used by the social scientists ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #19
Many on DU, but not many as a whole. N.T. Donald Ian Rankin Feb 2015 #40
True, but don't also forget..... AverageJoe90 Feb 2015 #42
If you think Beck earned the Grammy over Beyonce. Nuclear Unicorn Feb 2015 #49
Pardon me, but how is *that* racist, necessarily? (Or are you just being facetious?) nt AverageJoe90 Feb 2015 #65
I'm just passing along what was explained to me. Nuclear Unicorn Feb 2015 #66
Oh, I see now. AverageJoe90 Feb 2015 #67
No. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #2
May I ask GummyBearz Feb 2015 #10
Racism, according to the weight of 20th century social science ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #15
The dominant race that has the power to create systemic and institutionalized racism .... kwassa Feb 2015 #18
True. Though what might happen treestar Feb 2015 #37
+1000 smirkymonkey Feb 2015 #47
+1 uponit7771 Feb 2015 #50
What? uppityperson Feb 2015 #3
Racism means different things to different people. ZombieHorde Feb 2015 #4
Words should not be redefined. Unless your a fan of double-speak and a memory hole. Glassunion Feb 2015 #12
Does/do science/scientists ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #17
Terms are not redefined by science. Glassunion Feb 2015 #22
Okay ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #24
True. Glassunion Feb 2015 #30
I largely agree ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #31
Agreed. Glassunion Feb 2015 #35
Oppressed is the key word ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #36
Oppression IMHO includes many of those things. Glassunion Feb 2015 #38
Exactly ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #45
Social sciences are not phil89 Feb 2015 #32
So their observations and conclusions are to be ignored ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #34
It's interesting gollygee Feb 2015 #20
Excellent post, a great and brief summation. kwassa Feb 2015 #21
Since I never gave a definition, please do tell me what my definition is. Glassunion Feb 2015 #23
Posted without comment ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #33
What's the true meaning of the word "racism?" nt ZombieHorde Feb 2015 #25
Definition Glassunion Feb 2015 #39
I think that is the common definition, but many don't use that definition. ZombieHorde Feb 2015 #51
Nor does describing behavior and how ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #57
And for academics, i.e., the 20th century social scientist that study the topic ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #16
I agree, but I don't think that is the common use of the word in the US. ZombieHorde Feb 2015 #27
Funny ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #28
You usually describe what you're talking about. ZombieHorde Feb 2015 #29
Of course it is. NaturalHigh Feb 2015 #5
Racism is more of a sinkhole in the street. kwassa Feb 2015 #7
Petulant childishness over a hidden post is also a two way street. Glassunion Feb 2015 #13
+1 N/T JustAnotherGen Feb 2015 #14
More of a parking lot.... daleanime Feb 2015 #26
According to pretty much every single valid definition out there......yes. AverageJoe90 Feb 2015 #41
Oh. You're back. And inserting yourself into race threads again. kwassa Feb 2015 #48
And by "valid definition" you mean .... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #54
Good points. NaturalHigh Feb 2015 #64
one of the favorite tactics used to confuse noiretextatique Apr 2015 #73
Racism has many defintions imo. romanic Feb 2015 #43
Welcome to DU, romanic. =) AverageJoe90 Feb 2015 #44
Thanks romanic Feb 2015 #46
Hey homie! Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 2015 #53
Welcome to DU ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #55
Thanks for the welcome. :D romanic Feb 2015 #58
I understand what you said ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #59
Yes you do understand why people would resist new information that would force them to randys1 Feb 2015 #61
Message auto-removed Name removed Feb 2015 #63
I'm not resisting anything. romanic Feb 2015 #68
Okay. ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #69
No. romanic Feb 2015 #70
I don't know ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #72
My Detroit suburb was whites only. kwassa Feb 2015 #60
Another Michigandier. :) romanic Feb 2015 #71
Not sure what you are asking Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 2015 #52
He/she is asking ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2015 #56
In America only whites can be racist, now Black folk can be and sometimes are very BIGOTED randys1 Feb 2015 #62
 

GummyBearz

(2,931 posts)
6. I go by the dictionary definition
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 08:30 PM
Feb 2015

a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others.

 

GummyBearz

(2,931 posts)
9. Yea
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 08:36 PM
Feb 2015

Hence my question. I'm trying to get to the bottom of this topic as I was told I am one. I'd really prefer not to be

JustAnotherGen

(31,818 posts)
11. At DU?
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:20 PM
Feb 2015
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6215633

The post where you talked about that race card that some sections of the white population in America are always whining about because their glorious founding fathers put it in the deck?

Don't hate the player - hate the game.

Was that what one of the jurors told you when they opted to hide that post?
 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
42. True, but don't also forget.....
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 05:50 AM
Feb 2015

Collective hate, fear, and/or distrust of an ethnic group and/or groups as well.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
67. Oh, I see now.
Sun Feb 15, 2015, 02:02 AM
Feb 2015

Yeah, I have a feeling that we'll probably agree that such an accusation is pretty over the top. People are going to have different musical tastes; preferring one individual artist or another doesn't necessarily make them bigoted, no matter if they're a record executive, or just the average Jack or Jenna on the street. I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
15. Racism, according to the weight of 20th century social science ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:42 PM
Feb 2015

is Race-based bigotry plus institutional/culture power.

http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/caleb/racism.html

So, with that information, should you choose to absorb it ... I will let you answer your own question.

kwassa

(23,340 posts)
18. The dominant race that has the power to create systemic and institutionalized racism ....
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:49 PM
Feb 2015

throughout a country and across other nations. Which race might that be?

The others can be bigoted, but don't have the power to cause damage to others on a societal level.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
37. True. Though what might happen
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 12:56 AM
Feb 2015

as the US is not the only place in the world. Have white people dominated the planet?

What of communities of Indians in Tanzania, or of Asians in Latin America? They are minorities in places and could it be possible the black/Latin people in those countries might create the systems and dominate? Is it a human trait which could arise in any situation and it be other than white people in charge of the structure?

ZombieHorde

(29,047 posts)
4. Racism means different things to different people.
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 08:26 PM
Feb 2015

For some people, racism is a power conflict, so those with less power can never be racist. For other people, racism is bigotry based on skin color.

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
12. Words should not be redefined. Unless your a fan of double-speak and a memory hole.
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:26 PM
Feb 2015

If I call someone a racist it should carry the weight of the word behind it. It should not be redefined beyond its true meaning.

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
22. Terms are not redefined by science.
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 10:05 PM
Feb 2015

They are refined. I.e... Pluto is not a planet, no wait... Yes it is... No wait, no it's not.

By definition a planet is still a planet, science has refined it, by excluding objects like Pluto, and given definition to a new words like Dwarf Planet or
Kuiper belt object. A planet is still a planet.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
24. Okay ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 10:55 PM
Feb 2015

Last edited Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:57 PM - Edit history (1)

Scientists refine definitions of terms to more accurately describe their observations, all the time.

Better?

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
30. True.
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:38 PM
Feb 2015

But to me "terms" should fit a definition. Definitions should not be twisted to fit the term. They can be refined, but not twisted.

This is why I should not get involved in META threads.

I grew up a child of an interracial couple in Georgia. I've had my share of racism. To me, racism is: that race determines human traits and or capabilities, and in that a belief, an inherent superiority of one over another. And with that, justification for ill treatment or violence against others based solely on their race.

I have been the victim of racism. I have been beaten to the point of urinating blood for days because I dared to date a white woman. On the other hand I have also been guilty of it myself. I have since grown, and reflected upon my own evil.

Racism, by definition is evil. I have had that evil trust upon me, and in turn I have dispensed that same evil. I strongly regret that period in my life.

So to me, to brand someone a racist is a charge of significant weight. I do not toss it out lightly or with nonchalance. I wish for my words to carry the weight of their true definition, not some watered down feel-good, family friendly version.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
31. I largely agree ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:47 PM
Feb 2015

except for your definition, as it is does not reflect the weight of academic study.

Further, racial bigotry + institutional power, is not watered down, feel good or family friendly ... it is what the social scientists that study the phenomena have observed.

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
35. Agreed.
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 12:16 AM
Feb 2015

Racial bigotry fits perfectly into the definition of racism. And on its face evil.

Institutional racism also fits the definition of racism. And is evil as well.

To me racism is not one particular race or another. It is the supposition of one race being superior to another. From that you have institutional racism, bigotry, etc... They are evil no matter the race of the oppressed.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
36. Oppressed is the key word ...
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 12:25 AM
Feb 2015

Last edited Fri Feb 13, 2015, 08:12 AM - Edit history (1)

treated unfairly, belittled, offended, insulted, embarrassed, treated badly, even, beaten is not being oppressed ... being oppressed lasts long beyond the inter-personal encounter.

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
38. Oppression IMHO includes many of those things.
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 01:19 AM
Feb 2015

Oppression is: the the unjust (or cruel) exercise of authority or power.

If that "authority" comes from a racist (feeling of racial superiority) point of view, it is oppression.

If you are treated unfairly (unjustly) because of your race, that is oppression.
If you are belittled because of your race, that is oppression. To belittle someone is to cause that person to feel little or less, hence the inherent feeling of superiority in racism.
Being offended, insulted, embarrassed, well... that depends on the situation. But if someone goes out of their way to do that to you because of your race, that can be oppression.
Being beaten because of nothing more than your race. In my personal experience, the "they" that did it, was to put me in my place. I was doing something I should not have been doing. That was oppression. They were exercising their power (not authority) over me to dictate what I could or could not do based on my race.

 

phil89

(1,043 posts)
32. Social sciences are not
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:50 PM
Feb 2015

like math and physics. They tend to be very subjective even in the best of circumstances.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
34. So their observations and conclusions are to be ignored ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:56 PM
Feb 2015

or to be questioned, using Webster's or wiki as an authority ... at least for the purposes of this discussion. Right?

gollygee

(22,336 posts)
20. It's interesting
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:51 PM
Feb 2015

Most white people define it the way you and the OP do, but most people of color define it as structural imbalances, or discrimination plus systemic power. But it's seen as "redefinition" if you don't accept the general view of white people, which is an example of how racism is structural. And then people use the dictionary as proof, which is precisely structural. The opinions of people of color don't often get into the dictionary because people of color are not generally the ones writing dictionaries.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
33. Posted without comment ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:51 PM
Feb 2015
To me, racism is: that race determines human traits and or capabilities, and in that a belief, an inherent superiority of one over another.

Post #30

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
39. Definition
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 01:41 AM
Feb 2015

From my post #30: That race determines human traits and or capabilities, and in that a belief, an inherent superiority of one over another. And with that, justification for ill treatment or violence against others based solely on their race.

I would not define it as a power conflict where those who do not have the power or authority cannot exercise in racism. A power conflict would be more aptly defined as oppression. The oppressed, by virtue of the lack of power or authority cannot be the oppressor.

Race is simply a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits. Racism is the belief that there is an inherent superiority in those distinctive traits, and that justifies the ill treatment or violence of the perceived inferior race(s).

ZombieHorde

(29,047 posts)
51. I think that is the common definition, but many don't use that definition.
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 12:32 PM
Feb 2015

In my opinion, describing behavior and how it affects people is better than any label any day, since labeling something "racist" rarely seems to change anyone's mind or behavior.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
16. And for academics, i.e., the 20th century social scientist that study the topic ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:45 PM
Feb 2015

the former is the more accurate description of the matter.

http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/caleb/racism.html

ZombieHorde

(29,047 posts)
27. I agree, but I don't think that is the common use of the word in the US.
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:09 PM
Feb 2015

I don't always feel comfortable using the word because I don't know how people will define it in their heads. When I remember, I like to use "systematic racism," "racial bigotry," and phrases like that because I feel there will be less confusion. I know how you use the word because I read a fuck ton of your posts since you're one of my favorite DUers, but even when I'm writing to you I know lots of other people will read the post.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
28. Funny ...
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 11:16 PM
Feb 2015

I rarely find myself using any of those terms ... other than to update a follow DUer's usage of the term.

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
13. Petulant childishness over a hidden post is also a two way street.
Thu Feb 12, 2015, 09:28 PM
Feb 2015

However, both ways are a META thread and should be locked as off topic.

Just saying.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
41. According to pretty much every single valid definition out there......yes.
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 05:49 AM
Feb 2015

Without a doubt, yes. Anybody can be racist towards anybody, at least on an intrapersonal level, anyway, regardless of what country they live in(For example, Uighurs in China are an oppressed group in that country, but they can still be racist towards Chinese, and Palestinians can be racist against Israeli Jews, etc.).

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
54. And by "valid definition" you mean ....
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 01:20 AM
Feb 2015

The non-academic, lay definition from 30+ years ago. Right? You really should update your literary file.

We've had this dance before and the weight of academia remain in the 21sr century.

noiretextatique

(27,275 posts)
73. one of the favorite tactics used to confuse
Sun Apr 26, 2015, 11:10 PM
Apr 2015

American white supremacy...the system. What does "anbody can be racist" have to do with our peculiar problem in the USA? Is it an "everybody can be racist problem" or is it an institutional racism problem?

romanic

(2,841 posts)
43. Racism has many defintions imo.
Fri Feb 13, 2015, 06:59 AM
Feb 2015

To me, the definition of racism lies in the eyes of the individual. For me, I've dealt with ignorance and straight up racial hate from whites, blacks and even my some of my lighter-skinned Puerto-Rican brothers and sisters. I grew up in a diverse but segregated (along racial lines) metro Detroit suburb and saw whites hostile to blacks, blacks hostile to whites, Hispanics hostile to both blacks and whites, and hostility towards Arabs from other racial groups. Some people believe in the dictionary, others believe there's a power structure tied to racism; for me I don't use either, just what I've gone through and seen with my own eyes.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
55. Welcome to DU ...
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 01:29 AM
Feb 2015

Do you/would you define it differently if shown that the weight of social scientists writing on the topic subscribe to the race-based bigotry plus institutional/power definition?

romanic

(2,841 posts)
58. Thanks for the welcome. :D
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 01:50 AM
Feb 2015

To answer your question, I wouldn't really let anyone regardless of their research or findings change what I feel and think and experience when it comes to racism. What i see for myself trumps what others say when it comes to that. Hope i made sense.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
59. I understand what you said ...
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 10:36 AM
Feb 2015

I don't understand why you would resist accepting the academic research that refines our understanding of the phenomena.

Understanding the characteristics of the phenomena is the next step in ending the phenomena.

randys1

(16,286 posts)
61. Yes you do understand why people would resist new information that would force them to
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 12:18 PM
Feb 2015

rethink their old biases.

Response to 1StrongBlackMan (Reply #59)

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
72. I don't know ...
Sun Feb 15, 2015, 10:42 AM
Feb 2015

I'm just trying to figure out how/why someone that, no doubt (if you're on a liberal message board), accepts academic observations and conclusions in so many other areas touching your life, won't accept them in this specific area?

romanic

(2,841 posts)
71. Another Michigandier. :)
Sun Feb 15, 2015, 05:54 AM
Feb 2015

Not entirely familiar with Huntington Woods though I've heard of it. I grew up further north in Pontiac which had it's own ugly history with racism/segregation.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
56. He/she is asking ...
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 01:34 AM
Feb 2015

"Can, both, white AND Black people be racist" ... Again.

I've noticed variations of this question a lot on DU ... Usually, within minutes of the person inquiring having written something that a PoC points out might be trending racist. (See: the now hidden Post #5 in the " Little league cheating " thread.)

randys1

(16,286 posts)
62. In America only whites can be racist, now Black folk can be and sometimes are very BIGOTED
Sat Feb 14, 2015, 12:20 PM
Feb 2015

towards white people, the white people who call them names, lynch them, steal from them, refuse them loans, charge them more for loans.

Wont hire them, wont rent to them.

If I was a Black American, you would need a better word than bigot for what I would feel.

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