I recently found out that a visitor to my home considers me a racist ...

[The Traveler]

131. Very interesting discussion

I first want to state that I think you explained your position on the difference between "racism" and "bigotry" quite clearly. If one were to accept your definitions of the terms, then your point is fairly well established ... and indeed at this point in time it is difficult, if not impossible, for a black person to practice racism in this country due to the relative shortage of institutional power.

Your problem is that your signal will get lost in the noise because you are, in essence, redefining the term "racism". You can argue that dictionary definitions are inadequate or incorrect, but when communicating with the average person who has not studied the material with which you are so familiar that argument will be ineffective. Your point will get lost in the noise as people respond from the conceptual space defined by the conventional definition of the term.

While the extension of the definition may be quite accepted and broadly understood in the fields of sociological study, application of that definition in discourse with lay people will merely create confusion. (I think this thread kinda demonstrates my point.) We need another term to advance this argument in discussion with our peers.

Just my take on it ... but I now understand clearly the basis for the statements I sometimes hear about the impossibility of reverse racism in America. And for that, this long haired redneck thanks you.

Trav