Racist/racialist

[katreeen]

Which means which, academically speaking? I was under the impression "racist" means merely noting differences between races, whereas "racialist" is the discrimination of certain races. My dictionary claims there is no difference yet my politics lecturer emphasises the difference for the purpose of essay writing.

[Lillabet]

In almost all circumstances the two terms are used synonymously. However in terms of academic distinction the term racist means: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others or discrimination or prejudice based on race.

Racialist is used to describe a policy or idea in which race is used as a factor. ( A lot of people will argue that such policies are by definition also racist). Two examples to try and help.

1 The policy in Nazi Germany of systematic discrimination against Jews was both racialist (taking race into account) and racist (based on a belief that one race was superior to the other)

2 In South Africa at present laws have been enacted to promote the chances for black and other non white native South Africans in the job market. This is a racialist policy which takes account of and uses racial/ethnic difference. The rationale behind these policies though is that for years under the Apartheid system the non white population were hugely disadvataged and discriminated against. As such it can be argued that the thinking behind these racialist policies is not a belief that one race is superior (racist) but to do with correcting inequalities created by racism.

Therefore it can be argued that whilst example 1 is both racialist and racist, example 2 is racialist without being racist.

Hope this helps...

[acw]

If it helps at all, everything Lillabet said reflects what my teacher said when I did politics A Level (a few years ago admittedly!).  I think much of the problem can be laid at the door of Ali G.  There was actually a joke in his use of questons like "That's a bit racialist innit?" - simply because he was using the wrong word.  Sadly, a lot of people didn't "get" the subtlty of it, and this has added to the common belief that the words are totally identical. 

I would also say that accusing someone of being "racist" is more of an insult than observing that they are "racialist".  Of course the key problem is that it is often possible to have policies that APPEAR to only be racialist, but they really have racist undertones.  The subjectiveness/subjectivity of the whole thing makes it all very tricky. 

In addition to Lillabet's excellent information this: http://www.mdcbowen.org/p2/rm/define/whatRace.html may help you!

[Peter Pedant]

in the real world - outside a level  politics,

they are identical

 

 

PP

[acw]

PP - have I done something to p*ss you off?  Why are you delighting in "correcting" me all the time?  It's patronising and insulting and I'm getting sick of it. 

Katreeen was asking about definitions on an academic basis.  We offered useful advice, in my opinion.  You added nothing to the debate except a petty backhanded little jibe.  WHY?  What is your problem?  Just tell me what I did - then at least I can understand your behaviour towards me.

Katereen - sorry that this is in your post! :-$ *blush*

[acw]

Oh god PP I'm so sorry! I've just looked over my profile and found that my memory is playing awful tricks on me!  My accusations were TOTALLY out of order and I was utterly wrong!  I'm so sorry!

I'm feeling got at because lots of people have been making "smug corrections" to my answers that were, IMHO, unecessary.  But no WAY did you deserve my outburst.  I really hope you see this apology soon - I'm SO SORRY!

Please PLEASE accept my apology. *BIG blush*