Why do sociologists say only White people can be racist? And is being racist different than being prejudiced?

Answer 1

I will answer your second question first. The reason for that will become obvious.

Yes, there is a significant difference between being racist and being predjudiced.

Racism is harrassment exerted from a position of power attributed exclusively to issues of race.

Most sociologists agree that the white male is still the racial category that holds power, political, social, physical, educational. They still get the best education, jobs, money, etc. White females are slightly below that level.

Being predjudiced against others is a more general and benign term. Racism involves actively keeping people from the education, housing, jobs, etc that they deserve. Just notice that I said the work DESERVE, because there is much difference between the person who is truly a victim of racism and one who CLAIMS to be a victim of racism.

Answer 2

I don't know why sociologists say that only white people can be racist. Racism dates back to the dawn of man, and has permeated every layer of society in every nation that has ever existed, where there were two or more races of people involved. Any sociologist that says this is either trying to make a racist point, themselves, or they have just not done their homework, and are not very good sociologists.

As for being prejudiced, racism is a type of prejudice, but not the only type. You can be prejudiced toward your own child if told to pick one or another to be a victor in a contest. You can be prejudiced against a girl that stole some boyfriend from you, or a guy that stole a girl from you.

It is, unfortunately, a part of human nature, and one of our biggest flaws. It is also why there is no such thing as truly objective journalism.

Hope this helps...

Answer 3

I'm not sure why some sociologists focus on white people being racist and not other races. Maybe they have more research data on white people's racism than other ethnic groups' racism. And some sociologists do study prejudice in other racial groups. But anybody, of any race, can be racist. Racism is just a type of prejudice. Prejudice can be against anything and anyone--you can be prejudiced against pet owners or people who like ice cream. :) Racism is prejudice specifically against people of a certain race (or races) of people.

Answer 4

Yes, sociologists attribute racism to the group that is in POWER. So, by that logic, only whites are racist. The rest is prejudice. Now, when you go to Zimbabwe, and power is in the hands of the Blacks, is there racism against the whites? Absolutely. That is what sociologists look at ultimately: the power structure.

Answer 5

i don't think only sociologist say that. racist is different than being prejucide. Racist has to do with races, like African American, Caucasin, Mexican etc. Prejudice basically has to do with everything but that. Like disable people, mentally ill. Like if you have something against the blind, or deaf, or crippled that's being prejudice because they aren't a race of people.

Answer 6

here is how this goes.

the idea behind racism is dealing with issues of POWER. Since for a very long time, whites have been in positions of power, their decisions and actions can impact other groups. The idea is that a black person cannot be racist because they are being discriminated against first. (now I disagree with this idea, I believe anyone can be a racist)

as for your second question, yes they are different. Prejudiced is really meaning to PRE JUDGE someone. So you use previous experiences and attitudes to judge someone before you have met them based on their skin color, their religion, their shoes, their hair, etc... You are judging them before you get to know them. Everyone has prejudice the key is to recognize them, and work with/around them.

Racism is to actively dislike/hate a group based solely upon their ethnic background. very different.

Answer 7

Listen up, whitey--I'm not going to repeat the truth to you. In 1753, the Pope declared that all of Europe would follow the new calendar. That meant that almost two weeks would go missing--and the Pope realized that the Black Man would be the one to pay the price. So he signed a deal with Shomanza Zulu, grandfather of Shaka Zulu, giving the Black Man claim on those two weeks for the rest of eternity. In effect, he proclaimed that the Black Man did not have to work for two weeks out of the year, and that he could take those two weeks in any way he wished. When you say that we are goofing off at work, we are merely taking what the Pope promised us. We don't call the Pope a racist for giving us this gift--why do you try to make us seem racist for taking it? You must have a lot of hate in your soul, honeybear--but Papa Lufah could take care of it for you, if you not what I mean, and I think you do.

Answer 8

Those sociologists are brainwashed, guilt-ridden White liberals. They only flourish in institutions where there is no debate.

Racism only applies to people, whereas you can be prejudiced against almost anything....not that there's anything wrong about it.

When it comes to acting as a racial block against the goals of the other races, my people could justifiably be called racist.

Answer 9

There are plenty racists, both white and non-white. Racism is just one form of prejudice.

I've known some non-white people who ascribe their every personal failure or disagreement with a white person to "racism". In my opinion, these people are themselves racist.

Answer 10

That's one of the most racist things I've ever heard.
Whatever sociologist said that was a racist.
Anyone can be, it's that simple.