there is the more realistically accurate definition which is:
Power + Racial Prejudice = Racism
and then there’s the also accurate in its own way definition:
Prejudice based on race = Racism.
I can no longer say that “Black people can’t be racist against white people” anymore without making aware to whoever I’m speaking to that I am using the first definition and not the second.
Most white people and people of color (I’m really only talking about Black people on this one since I only know my people, really) who are not exactly conscious only know and only use the second definition. This is problematic, now let me tell you why:
This is problematic for Black people to use this definition because it gives their oppressors some sort of false approval (from us) to get out of their guilt with this idea of “reverse racism.”
Side-Note: The phrasing alone gives you a hint to the falsehood/inaccuracy to the 2nd definition. If you say a Black person is being “reverse racist” and not merely racist then what you’re telling is that you too are using the first definition that is power + prejudice = racism meaning that you agree that in order to be racist you must have some sort of power first and being that you agree, I KNOW that your “reverse” factor is simply an attempt to make the oppressed feel guilty because we all know that the Black community holds virtually no power over our government (proof: the current genocide on Black bodies in the USA).
This is problematic for white people to use this definition because because it gives themselves a false right to excuse themselves from their guilt.
On top of that, it makes both parties look completely ignorant to our own U.S. History and worse, current events taking place in the U.S. as we speak.
Yesterday someone said I was being racist against whites. Ok. I do have a racial prejudice against whites in that I do not actively seek their company or friendship but that’s about it. I don’t honestly think they’re lesser than any other person and I don’t honestly believe that they are ALL racist. However, being that my essence as a Black male is controlled, mocked, and falsely created by a white run government and white run media…I’m sure you can understand my resentment.
Besides, I can’t be racist… I have white friends.
