SPEAKING OF DEFINITIONS

let’s (again) look at what we mean by racism

Exactly H. Nemesis Nyx. That’s because it is an old and antiquated dictionary definition that has no useful applicability in sincere discussions that aim to combat how racism manifests culturally in a 2016 North America.

So let’s try it again.

The accepted definition from the civil rights era onward that has been used by every organization, academic text, and most importantly, those who racism affects in experiential ways, has been one that includes power in the equarion.

Racism = Racial Prejudice + Power.

Racial Prejudice:

Refers to attitudes based on deragatory assumptions stemming from misperceptions about race/skin colour.

Power:

Refers to the authority granted by social structures through access to means and resources that reinforce our dominant racial structures.

Which is to say, our current status quo.

To not acknowledge, or work from that accepted definition is to wilfully not listen or hear those whos lives are materially affected by racism, thus suggesting a less than genuine intention to seriously combat it.