Let’s get something clear… seriously. This is the friendliest “friendly reminder” I can cook up without being a douche about it.



There is no “your definition of racism” vs “my definition of racism.”



We’re not using the same word and throwing two different definitions into it hoping that everyone just picks the side we agree with. It’s not that simple and the language has to evolve out of pure necessity. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has thought of this, but I’m going to say it anyway:



There’s Institutionalised Racism and Individual Racism, both are forms of racism, but they’ve got different things attached.



Individual racism is essentially the textbook definition of racism. Don’t know it? Type in (Define: Racism) on google and you’ll get it.



Institutionalised Racism is the racism talked about on various other websites and hundreds of tumblr blogs. Basically stating that it is oppression of an entire race based on prejudices, stereotypes and discriminatory beliefs.



Institutionalised racism is the form of racism that requires power over others.



Individual, general racism just requires you to be a racist.



Essentially, you can be racist towards ANYONE and EVERYONE on an INDIVIDUAL level or even to a bunch of individuals. However, you have to hold systemic, oppressive, power over another to be racist on an INSTITUTIONAL level. Regardless of what kind of racism is, at the core of it, it’s wrong.



I’m going to try and make this clear: Yes, you can be racist towards white people on an individual level. (Let’s remember that racism is still wrong. No point in misconstruing that statement.)



You just can’t be racist on an institutional level. Unless you hold some grand societal power and oppress people with it. (Media, governmental, etc…)



So before you go around saying something like:



“You CAN be discriminatory, rude, inconsiderate, and/or prejudiced against white people but you CANNOT be racist toward them.”



Don’t…



Instead, think about it… put some real thought into it. Perhaps consider that we should opt for promoting clearer, more easily understood language so that you don’t end up getting confused people wondering what it is you’re on about. Instead of like… buzzwords and memes.



Thanks.