As defined by the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, second edition.
Racism noun 1 a belief in the superiority of a particular race 2 prejudice based on this. 3 antagonism towards other races, esp. as a result of the prejudice 4. the theory that human abilities etc. are determine d by race.
Bigot noun a person intolerant of another’s believes, race, politics, etc.
Prejudice noun 1 a a preconceived opinion b (foll. by against, in favour of) bias or partiality. c dislike or distrust of a person group, etc. 2 harm or injury that results or may result from some action or judgment (to the prejudice of).
IT USED TO BOTHER ME when individuals would use the above-noted words interchangeably, or incorrectly, to label someone. There was a distinction, I maintained, between a bigoted person and a racist. There were differences in attitudes of prejudice and attitudes of racism. However, I have changed my opinion. In political terms, I’m doing what they call “a flip-flop.” In spiritual terms, changing one’s opinion is called personal growth.
In considering what I came to see as a bigoted stance, I have come to realize that these three words belong to the same family of hate. And what’s more important than their proper use, is the need to change the attitudes that define this bias, intolerance, and antagonism.
Why spend time accurately describing folks who carry racist, bigoted, and prejudicial beliefs? Isn’t the time better spent connecting with, not labelling people? I would prefer that we to retire them from our vocabularies due to lack of use, rather than nitpick about whether they are used properly, or not.
That’s my personal opinion. But, then again, I am prejudiced in favour of equality.