Bigots Vs. Racists

[drewkitty]

In yet another of these "I saw race mentioned on the Internet, and the minions of 'white privilege' theory swarmed" situations on LJ, I found an interesting tidbit:

Racism is defined as believing in the superiority of a particular race, or that race is a primary determinant of capability.

Bigotry is defined as a prejudiced person who treats another racial group with hatred and intolerance.

I've been calling a lot of people racists over the years, when I should have been calling them bigots.

Good to know. Comments?

Comments

[nolly.livejournal.com]

That's what I thought racism meant, but some people keep insisting it's power + privilege. I suspect the conflicts between these definitions lead to most of the heat around the topic on the 'net.

[finnkveldulfr.livejournal.com]

Merriam-Webster's Definitions:

Racism: 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination

Bigot: : a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

Not sure if this applies to the contexts in which you were using those words or not. :)

[rue-gingertabby.livejournal.com]

Thanks for letting me know the difference. Sometimes knowing the difference between two words that are used interchangably, can be eye-opening.