The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 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
So what happens if someone is of mixed race? Which race should that person identify with? If a child is born to a Japanese mother and White father, what is the child's race? If she identifies herself as white, is she being racist toward the Japanese?
These questions are relevant in light of the 2010 census. Barack Obama, the child of an African black man and a white mother, failed to acknowledge his half-white heritage on his census form. The instructions clearly state "Check one or more boxes." He should have checked BOTH black and white. So why didn't he also mark white ?
Racism exists at all levels of society. Does it exist at the top?
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
So what happens if someone is of mixed race? Which race should that person identify with? If a child is born to a Japanese mother and White father, what is the child's race? If she identifies herself as white, is she being racist toward the Japanese?
These questions are relevant in light of the 2010 census. Barack Obama, the child of an African black man and a white mother, failed to acknowledge his half-white heritage on his census form. The instructions clearly state "Check one or more boxes." He should have checked BOTH black and white. So why didn't he also mark white ?
Racism exists at all levels of society. Does it exist at the top?
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