These days, the distinction between the words racism, prejudice and bigotry seem to be disappearing into the sands of ignorance.
Neal Boortz frequently has a lot of fun playing with the minds of people who call in and misuse the word "racist" by asking them to supply a definition-
when they do so, they're inevitably wrong.
In short:
If you think that one race is inherently superior to another, that's racism.
If you don't like a group of people because of their race or characteristics, that's prejudice.
If you maintain your beliefs in spite of facts or logical arguments that disprove them, that's bigotry.
In the dictionary:
Main Entry:
rac·ism Pronunciation:
'rA-"si-z&m also -"shi- Function:
noun1 : 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
-
rac·ist /
-sist also -shist/
noun or adjective
Main Entry:
1prej·u·dice Pronunciation:
'pre-j&-d&s Function:
noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin
praejudicium previous judgment, damage, from
prae- + judicium judgment -- more at
JUDICIAL1 : injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights;
especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims
2 a (1)
: preconceived judgment or opinion (2)
: an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge
b : an instance of such judgment or opinion
c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics
synonym see
PREDILECTION
Main Entry:
big·ot·ry Pronunciation:
'bi-g&-trE Function:
noun Inflected Form(s):
plural -ries1 : the state of mind of a bigot
2 : acts or beliefs characteristic of a bigot
Main Entry:
big·ot Pronunciation:
'bi-g&t Function:
noun Etymology: Middle French, hypocrite, bigot
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices
-
big·ot·ed /
-g&-t&d/
adjective-
big·ot·ed·ly adverb