Michael F Schundler
2 min readApr 2, 2021

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"racism involves the subjugation of one group by another group in a position of power."

Somehow our definition of racism are totally different. Racism according to Webster is when a person believes the color of their skin (race) produces an inherent superiority. In other words, that people are somehow "biologically" superior.

Under your definition most Africans are "racists", since in Africa nearly every country has a "tribe" in the position of power. In her country, it is the Shona who constitute about 80% of the population. So you are saying "black" Shona are racist towards the "black" Ndebele and Shangane people? Strange definition.

I suppose the Canadians are racist towards the French Canadians and the British are racist towards the Scots. Anyway, you get the idea. When you invent definitions, they seem to fall apart.

Now let's be a bit more accurate. In every country, there is a dominant identity groups defined by various attributes better identified as "culture" than "race". This dominant identity group can be open to joining by others or can be closed to others.

So "white" Amish people in the US are clearly not included in the dominant identity group in America even though they are white. They have no political power and no real influence over the society around them. Numerous other "white" groups have little to no political power. What makes America somewhat unique among countries in the world is the dominant power is not characterized by race, religion, even gender, but varies around the country.

In California, where whites are minority like everyone else, it is pretty clear the group in a position of power are the Democrats. We are essentially a one party state with some limited minority representation. Democrats come in all colors and genders, but there is little doubt that they are in the "position of power". The laws they pass don't favor a racial group over another racial group, but they are designed to keep Democrats in power.

So under your definition, all Democrats are "racist". Or perhaps, you should rethink your "definition". Frankly, I am not particularly comfortable with Webster's definition, but it is closer to my idea of racism. One thing I do thing is clear... anyone that identifies based on the their skin color is a bit closer to being "racist" than someone that identifies based on other attributes. I identify as being American (which I define as someone that shares the values of outlined in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the defining speeches of our history from people like Lincoln and MLK.

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