I don't buy the idea that the only bad bigotry is accompanied by institutional power
That's not what's meant by having a specific definition for "racism" -- bigotry is bad, but it's different things. When it's personal bigotry, or bigotry unaccompanied by power, it's a different thing, that's all. Things need specific names so you can talk about them clearly.
I really, really disagree that it's more clear to only think about bigotry in general and leave institutional power out of the equation.
For one thing, being able to talk specifically about the issues of empowerment and disempowerment, about what the institutions do to us, allows a common ground and also allows people to confront personal prejudices. I am white but I am not what's in your way.
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zvi and
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Date: 2005-09-11 04:00 pm (UTC)That's not what's meant by having a specific definition for "racism" -- bigotry is bad, but it's different things. When it's personal bigotry, or bigotry unaccompanied by power, it's a different thing, that's all. Things need specific names so you can talk about them clearly.
I really, really disagree that it's more clear to only think about bigotry in general and leave institutional power out of the equation.
For one thing, being able to talk specifically about the issues of empowerment and disempowerment, about what the institutions do to us, allows a common ground and also allows people to confront personal prejudices. I am white but I am not what's in your way.