HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PREJUDICE AND RACISM

DISTINCTIONS

Much of the polarization in our country has stemmed from lack of education which includes a misunderstanding of important distinctions on race, boundaries, and accountability. The film will explore some of these distinctions, the impact, and how to deal with them in a constructive way. 

PREJUDICE VS RACISM

I heard a white man recently say "It's racist that blacks get an unfair advantage when applying for a job."
He's referring to affirmative action which was put in place to help blacks catch up in a white world. 

Here are some distinctions to help explain.

Prejudice is a feeling of dislike for a racial or ethnic group. Discrimination are actions that harm those you have prejudice against. Racism is institutionalization of this discrimination. When discriminatory acts are perpetuated in society and become part of how society functions on the whole, power over the minority group results. This is racism. 

Going back to the example of affirmative action...there have been overwhelming advantages to whites in the job market since the birth of our country, and helping to level the playing field is not prejudice or racism because affirmative action is designed to redistribute the power that's been held by whites.

It's actually the opposite of racism. It's designed to make blacks and whites more equal. 

Being able to convey this in a healthy fashion is important in the journey towards true equality.

BOUNDARIES VS TOLERANCE

I was playing golf earlier this year with a guy who said that minorities have become intolerant. 
"They are wanting to be accepted, but they are defensive and intolerant of others."

There is an important distinction here. Yes, minorities are intolerant of abuse as they should be. When a gay person faces homophobia whether someone makes a hateful slur under her breath or there's physical abuse, the result is pain and emotional suffering on the part of the victim. Defending oneself against such hate sets a clear boundary that discrimination is wrong. 

NOT CARING VS NOT KNOWING

Often when someone is unaware of, let's say for example, the current state of racism in America, they will come across as lacking empathy. Often when they get present to what's really going on, as long as there's not a political argument, they will start to care. 

ACCEPTANCE VS AGREEMENT 

Acceptance means “to receive information,” whereas agreement means “to be in accordance in opinion.”  An example is "I hear the point you are making, and I accept what you are saying, but I disagree with the content."

STEREOTYPING

It's easy to brand someone or an ideology as bad or wrong when there's a difference of opinion, or when experiencing something negative. For example, if someone lies to you, even if it's something petty, it's easy to come to the conclusion that they're a liar and a bad person. After making this decision, it's difficult to see that person's good traits. We can miss out in life when we unfairly stereotype. People do this with partners, friends, business associates and family members. 

ADDITIONAL DISTINCTIONS INCLUDE:

Judge vs Discriminate

Intentionality vs Accountability

Accountability vs Blame

Tolerance vs Inclusion

Boundaries vs Disagreement