As a newcomer, I hope that I have posted in the right forum. I understand that every poster must be civil.
*****
I have just read a thoughtful article by the senior political editor of the Los Angeles-based Jewish Journal.
I just want to briefly mention a few of his key points (you can read the article yourself).
1. For the word "racism" to remain a uniquely negative allegation, "two terms must be met: 'Racism' must be clearly and narrowly defined; and the definition must be one that the vast majority of people accept."
2. A "broad, or a vague, definition ...makes it a political tool that is hurled at too many positions and hence loses its effectiveness at being a red line beyond which positions become illegitimate, and because a nonconsensual definition of 'racism' turns it from the ultimate sin to yet another matter of disagreement."
3. "It is encouraging to see the president himself vehemently rejects such accusations [of racism because of his reported remarks about African immigrants], hence proving that 'racism' is still a negative enough term to scare off people."
4. "Is it essential to call the president a racist? Maybe, but first consider the possible negative impact that such expansive use of this terminology could have."
a. "Think how bad it would be if the attempt to delegitimize Trump ends up even slightly legitimizing racism."
I'm a computer-illiterate senior citizen, so I cannot link. Just google these words with the quotation marks:
"The Rush to Racism" Shmuel Rosner
*****
I have just read a thoughtful article by the senior political editor of the Los Angeles-based Jewish Journal.
I just want to briefly mention a few of his key points (you can read the article yourself).
1. For the word "racism" to remain a uniquely negative allegation, "two terms must be met: 'Racism' must be clearly and narrowly defined; and the definition must be one that the vast majority of people accept."
2. A "broad, or a vague, definition ...makes it a political tool that is hurled at too many positions and hence loses its effectiveness at being a red line beyond which positions become illegitimate, and because a nonconsensual definition of 'racism' turns it from the ultimate sin to yet another matter of disagreement."
3. "It is encouraging to see the president himself vehemently rejects such accusations [of racism because of his reported remarks about African immigrants], hence proving that 'racism' is still a negative enough term to scare off people."
4. "Is it essential to call the president a racist? Maybe, but first consider the possible negative impact that such expansive use of this terminology could have."
a. "Think how bad it would be if the attempt to delegitimize Trump ends up even slightly legitimizing racism."
I'm a computer-illiterate senior citizen, so I cannot link. Just google these words with the quotation marks:
"The Rush to Racism" Shmuel Rosner
Last edited: