Can blacks be racist?

Question

I believe so.

I've heard this phrase more times than I can count: "Blacks cannot be racist because race plus power equals racism...and blacks don't have the power".

Words and language are a passion of mine and, when I break down the word "racism", the oft-cited definition of the word doesn't seem to fly.

In its most primitive sense, Webster's dictionary describes the suffix (ism) of the word racism, as:

1 : a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory
2 : an oppressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief.

Given this basic definition, how is it possible that racism can be ascribed only to a particular race in a position of power?

It seems to me that any race or any person can be a racist. Frankly, a few of the people who I would consider to be the most racist people I know are black people who are not "in power", as it were.

Do you agree? Disagree? Perhaps I have a fundamental misunderstanding of the term "racism", if I do, please explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Oppression, greed, arrogance and racism, all fit together. It may surprise many to find out that economics often times plays a key role in the subjugation of another race. It is far easier to justify ones actions to a perceived lower order of creature than it would be to an equal.
It is also possible for those who are subjugated to see the oppressors as less than human. For no sane human would ever treat his/her fellow human is such a manner.
Of all things that can be ascribed to racism justification seems to me to be primary. Where there is no logical reasoning often justifying is an acceptable practice.
There is no clear and exacting profile for a racist. Racism is prevalent throughout the spectrum of human diversity. I would say that the only given would be circumstance and emotion.

Answer 2

Of course they can be racist. Look at Lauren Hill, who in 1996 said "If I'd known white people were going to buy my last album, I never would have recorded it." Black people can most certainly be racist towards white people or anyone else who isn't black. I think a lot of black people are racist because they think the white people have been handed a better life.

I can't wait till we've all cross-bred enough that everyone is a beautiful tan colour!

Answer 3

Whatever the dictionary definition is (yawn), the question I think you're driving at is: can black people be racially prejudiced?

But maybe you really are just trying to see if the word "racist" can be applied to blacks. You aren't THAT concerned with words, are you? If you are, silver-tongued devils will have you swept off your feet and wrapped up in slick speech.

Speaking of silver tongues and race, I just saw a movie about Malcolm X. I considered the notion of black power, the raised fist, (I don't think Malcolm X used it), and then white power, the white supremacists.

Then I considered the general public's reaction to
"Black power!" vs. their reaction to "White power!"

And boy, black people have been cut some serious slack in matters of race.
That being said, you are still in a minority race that is widely disliked for no good reason. So, I would not begrudge you some racist views (thankfully you seem to harbor none!)

Answer 4

You heard a phrase? So what. You dont need power to be racist. If a poor white man calls you a racists name, is he racist? Yes. Racism is simply bias based on race. It just so happens that people in power are more able to get away with it openly. (You cant keep a slave if you dont havce the power of society behind you to allow you yto do so. But if you still hate based on race, in secret, you are a racist). Next time someone uses that "equation," straighten them out.

Answer 5

Actually I totally agree, without generlizing, I will speak of those that are all over our channels!
rappers and such just set the way of being"black" the way to dress , the way to speak, the way to drink, have sex and such..
it's just disgusting and not only sends all the wrong messages...
but if a white person or any other race tries that he/she would be looked upon as an intruder or such...

now I find that a bit racist

and just because rappers are black or whatever their profession is allows them to put so many diamonds and chains on although most of them look ridiculous, but if anyone from a different race does that, it's just wrong.. u know ?

one of the meanings uv posted: an opressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief.

now isn't what they are doing a discriminatory attitude..a "black " thing ?

Answer 6

Let's think about this.

All people are equal. Black people are equal to white people in every single way.

White people have shown that they have the ability to be racist.

There forth, black people have the ability, and some have certainly shown the ability to be racist.
Anyone remember the member Manducat? My god, have mercy on the world.

Answer 7

Yeah, definitely, though not always in the way people expect them to be. I went out with a black/hispanic guy who was raised by his hispanic grandmother in a wealthy, predominantly white suburb. And, he couldn't stand to be around other black people, even though he didn't really know any, and would not consider dating another black person. It was actually one of the reasons we broke up; I'm white, but was raised in a less privileged home and had to work for everything that I've achieved, and was often offended by the way that he characterized blacks and the less fortunate in general.

Answer 8

rac·ism (rszm) KEY

NOUN:

The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
Discrimination or prejudice based on race

Anyone can be racist. I know a lot of people that are racist and not white.

Answer 9

Unfortunately anybody can be racist it's a free country and freedom of speech. So anybody has the right to be racist BUT no it's not right to be racist. But yes, anybody can be racist.

Answer 10

I agree completely. I have seen people of all races have a prejudice towards other races, and even known someone black that was racist towards blacks.
The big question is, how do we stop it across the board?