Which is correct? Racial vs. Racist?

Question

I'm trying to write a term paper, and my friend swears "racial" is correct. I use "racist" more often. What is the correct usage?

Answer 1

It depends on how you use the words. Both words are technically adjectives, but "racist" has come to be used as a noun, while "racial" can only be used as an adjective. Also, "racist" is a derogatory term, while "racial" is neutral. Here are 2 examples:

He made a racist remark.(adj.)
His motivation for that act was racial. (adj.)

Because of her actions, she was called a racist. (used as a noun).

Hope that helps you.

Answer 2

Racial means "pertaining to race", it's not necessarily "judging/hating because of race", although it can be that. (for example you can say "racial traits" or "racial discrimination") Problem is it's ambiguous in that way.

Racist always means "judging/hating because of race". Problem with it is that it's essentially a noun, and some people don't like to use nouns as adjectives when there's a perfectly good adjective. (nouns are used as adjectives all the time when there isn't a perfectly good adjective) So the question is, is "racial" perfectly good, or is it too ambiguous? Your call really.

Answer 3

"Racist" is often used as a noun (as in identifying a racially prejudiced person). It's not considered a positive term.
"Racial" is an adjective describing something (good or bad) related to a person's race (as in a racial hated or a racial slur, remark or slogan).

Answer 4

Racist is a negative term, describing someone who has a bias against a race or races.

Racial is just an adjective that means "about race". For example, racial statistics are just statistics about race.

Answer 5

Depends on what you are trying to say. You would not say "This person is racial." You would say "this person is racist." In other sentences, either word could be used. "That is a racial slur" or "That is a racist slur."

Answer 6

I was wondering much the same question