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Steve QJ's avatar

"Along those lines, I think it's time for people to see the word "racist" for what it is."

The word "racist" definitely gets thrown around too lightly nowadays. But it's not *purely* an empty insult. Unlike a ni**er, a racist is a real, definable thing. And it's also true that some people are racist not out of malice, but because they've never really thought about their beliefs/attitudes.

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jt's avatar

No, not purely an empty insult.

What I'm referring to, mainly, isn't an insult but a threat. If someone is (perceived as) a racist, someone can get fired these days, right? Why else this story? https://www.thefire.org/news/lawsuit-professor-suspended-redacted-slurs-law-school-exam-sues-university-illinois-chicago

And the one about the rock and U. of Wisconsin-Madison? Why else would the admin cave? https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/opinion/antiracism-university-wisconsin-rock.html

(I agree with Professor McWhorter, BTW:)

"Yes, racism persists in our society in many ways, and administrators serving up craven condescension as antiracism are fine examples of it."

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