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That's just a misunderstanding over the definition. Racism as a subject of study in the humanities refers to these societal power structures, and it was this de
by chiaro 11y ago
That's just a misunderstanding over the definition. Racism as a subject of study in the humanities refers to these societal power structures, and it was this definition and usage she was probably cleaving to.
The world would definitely be a better if we didn't recognize labels, but since I kind of hit the trifecta as far as race, gender etc goes, I fit into society just fine. Those who feel marginalised by society for one reason or another can find solidarity and reaffirmation of their identity using these labels, and I can't really deny them that.
- golemotron 11y agoIt's very hard to believe that this redefinition of the word racism was done innocently. On its face racism is act of distinguishing people by race for favor or disfavor. When it is redefined as it has been in the humanities it leaves a vacuum. There's no longer a word for the concept that racism originally referred to.
- kenjackson 11y agoIts true there is no single word, but I think in this circle they use terms for this. Racial discrimination or prejudice.
- chiaro 11y agoIt's not taking anything away--both definitions are valid and commonly used. It's just up to the pair of you to realize you're talking past each other. She'd probably have no trouble agreeing that white people can be the target of bigotry just as you'd agree that white people are rarely at the pointy end of broader systemic injustices, at least in this society. Much as it may be fun, I'd caution against attributing it some kind of conspiracy of sociologists.
- smokeyj 11y ago> both definitions are valid and commonly used In my experience there's one definition used by the general public, and another used by social justice warrior academic types to prove they have a more mindful world view than you. But that's just my experience.
- dropit_sphere 11y agoThere needn't be a conspiracy. An evolved motte-and-bailey strategy is bad enough as it is.
- czep 11y agoJust because you learned of it just now doesn't make it a "re-definition". Who gave you the right to call your definition the real one?
- Kalium 11y agoThe English language is one where words are defined by popular usage. Who gave you the right to call the definition you prefer the real one?
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- dnr 11y agoDiscrimination is a pretty good word. That's the one they use for things like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-discrimination_law https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-discrimination_law
- damagedcake 11y agoNot that I completely disagree; but the problem with this definition, on a practical level, is that it seems to cause more harm than good. Identity politics have prevented our country from having an actual conversation on race since those of us in the majority are effectively not allowed into the conversation. So if there are two sides of an issue and one side is not allowed in the discussion then there is . . . no discussion.