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I think "racist" may be a bit strong. Bigotted, maybe. Prejudiced, without a doubt when Tony made further comments in the thread. The post above this one was clearly racist when the person stated "90% of people in jail are black. Most blacks are a waste." Neither statement is factually true.
If we look at a spectrum of beliefs, I think everybody carries certain prejudices as a result of their environment...its inescapable. But understandable prejudice is something that we know is not quite right ad most people try to overcome them, sometimes swinging too far in the opposite direction. Bigotry is an ingrained disdain that goes beyond prejudice and a bigot feels no compulsion to consider his position might be untenable. Racism, as you use it in this context, is an irrational hatred that a person feels totally justified with.
In certain threads on here whether talking about dating or the dole, there are comments that are often made that the poster may not even be conscious of that make me wonder if the person making the statement understands oblique references to Newport cigarettes or big screen tv's or 22 inch rims are in fact indications of prejudice or perhaps even bigotry. I'm sure that some of the people making such statements would deny they're bigoted (as oppposed to "merely" prejudiced), which might be the litmus test as to whether they are or not.
And it certainly goes both ways with all ethnic groups.
At least that's my spin on it....
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