Race is an issue that has always had importance in America. There is nothing more damaging to a country than the division and conflict that is intrinsic to racism. It is immensely important to educate everybody-- of every age, race, denomination, and social status-- of the problems that result from all the forms of racism.

It is for this reason that we, the undersigned, demand that Chris Matthews (host of “Hardball with Chris Matthews" on MSNBC) apologize for misrepresenting the nature and definition of racism. On April 1st, 2013, Chris Matthews produced a segment that was tangentially related to race. In reaction to comments that radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh made about the President's Easter celebration, Matthews said the following: "Well actually Rushbo [Rush Limbaugh], racism is the belief that one race, Whites, should rule all others. Get your definition straight." In this clip, the remark occurs right after 1:10.

What host Christ Matthews is stating is that (1) only Whites can be racist, and (2) Whites can only be racist if their intent is to "rule all others". This is not in any capacity the definition of racism, and there is not one cultural studies textbook, sociology textbook, or dictionary that gives this definition. This "definition" of racism is so off the mark that it deserves apology immediately. Below are two actual definitions of racism:



(i) According to Merriam-Wesbter, racism is "racial prejudice or discrimination", or "a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others."

(ii) According to Oxford Dictionaries, racism is "the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races", or "prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior"

By considering racism to be "the belief that one race, Whites, should rule all others", Matthews is supposing a limited and ignorant view of what racism is. Racism can occur whenever there is a person facing discrimination or prejudice purely because of his or her race. It is neither limited to Whites nor is it related to "ruling over others". Somebody as respected in the public as Matthews should not be making this mistake. The fact that this statement came the same day that Happy Sindane (White) was stoned to death in South Africa for going to authorities after being enslaved by a Black family is a horrendous irony. We can only hope that Matthews will understand that his position of influence requires a certain accuracy regarding issues as sensitive as race, and issue an official retraction.