The word Racist means nothing
Thanks you, liberal PCers
Thanks you, liberal PCers
'Racism' doesn't technically mean nothing.
Its meaning depends on who uses it and the context in which it's used. It can mean anything ranging from "you disagree with me on race issues" (the more contemporary usage) to "you believe some races are inherently genetically superior to other races" (the original meaning of the word).
And you've come to this conclusion, how?
Words’ meanings change over time via common usage. Oxford dictionary recently updated the definition of the word as a matter of fact.
I know. I really wish they hadn't done so, because the term is trending towards meaninglessness as @2distracted contends. However, I understand the dictionaries don't make the trends, they just try to keep up with them.Words’ meanings change over time via common usage. Oxford dictionary recently updated the definition of the word as a matter of fact.
The word Racist means nothing
Thanks you, liberal PCers
'Racism' doesn't technically mean nothing.
Its meaning depends on who uses it and the context in which it's used. It can mean anything ranging from "you disagree with me on race-related issues" (the more contemporary usage) to "you believe some races are inherently genetically superior to other races" (the original meaning of the word).
Democratic Party = Racism
In today's politically correct age of BLM, racist = White.
The word Racist means nothing
Thanks you, liberal PCers
Unfortunately this is true. There are certain groups that call anything and everything racist.
They are the same people who overuse the words, problematic, mansplain, cultural appropriation, dudebro, white male patriarchy, mircro aggression, good/bad ally, etc.
I know. I really wish they hadn't done so, because the term is trending towards meaninglessness as @2distracted contends. However, I understand the dictionaries don't make the trends, they just try to keep up with them.
My interpretation of 'racism' depends entirely on context. If a family member or close friend/colleague ever accused me of racism, I'd take it to heart and engage in some thorough self-examination. If a DP poster calls me racist in the middle of a debate about the merits of reparations, the validity of crime statistics, BLM, etc., I understand that what is being said is "I believe I'm arguing for the betterment of a race, you're opposing my argument, and this frustrates me", or possibly just "you're a doody head".
I don't summarily dismiss accusations of racism online if my accuser is able and willing to articulate why, specifically, he believes my views are racist. However, my experience is that few critics are willing, and of those who can articulate their criticisms, the substance boils down to a perceived lack of sensitivity or receptiveness to certain arguments.I can’t help you with whatever justifications you provide yourself to ignore what people say, and why some words mean something to you and others don’t. That’s for you to figure out. Maybe the people who have called you a racist in exchanges on a message board, and if this is a thing that happens frequently, are on to something. Or not. NO idea.
You misunderstand.When you say things like “I wish the dictionary wasn’t updated” it sounds like it’s *you* who is complaining that people are doody heads for not agreeing with you. We have updated the dictionary repeatedly. It sounds like opposition towards it where the word “racism” is concerned is more about pre-defending a concept(s) that you don’t want to be seen as racist.
The word Racist means nothing
Thanks you, liberal PCers
I would also add anecdotally: “Racism is thrown around so much it’s becoming meaningless” is a phrase, or variation on a phrase, that I have heard (and at one time said) my entire adult life and I”m now middle aged.
Sounds to me like “racism has no meaning” isn’t so much a world weary observation as a cynical defense against having to examine beliefs you have that may have an expired shelf life.
I don't summarily dismiss accusations of racism online if my accuser is able and willing to articulate why, specifically, he believes my views are racist. However, my experience is that few critics are willing, and of those who can articulate their criticisms, the substance boils down to a perceived lack of sensitivity or receptiveness to certain arguments.
You misunderstand.
I wish Oxford hadn't redefined the word because racism, as it was defined before, had a very definite meaning that could be objectively evaluated and confirmed. The new definition has no such properties.
Consider [1], "The inability or refusal to recognize the rights, needs, dignity, or value of people of particular races or geographical origins. More widely, the devaluation of various traits of character or intelligence as ‘typical’ of particular peoples."
The principal definition is subjective to the point of near-uselessness. One can fit practically any viewpoint on any race-related issue into it depending on what one determines to be a man's "rights, needs, dignity, [and] value", and whatever the hell it means to "recognize" these things. The second part, referring to "devaluation of various traits of character or intelligence", appears to be a watered down remnant of the original definition. At least they didn't scrub it completely. Hopefully it's enough for the term 'racism' to retain a shred of objective meaning.
I lament the new definition because I believe racism is an important concept that deserves a firm and objective definition. The more subjective it becomes, the more meaningless it becomes, and the less effective it is as a criticism.
The word Racist means nothing
Thanks you, liberal PCers
It’s basically the same as right-wingers claim that liberals “play the race card”. It is nothing more than a talking point basically meant to SHUT DOWN any serious discussion of race in America instead of engaging in thoughtful discussion about it. Why are they so afraid to talk about it?
Let's test this hypothesis.I don’t think it’s subjective at all. There are clearly laid out parameters, a through logic, and common usage applicable to modern culture.
The word Racist means nothing
Thanks you, liberal PCers