2 min read

·

Jul 8, 2025

The Oxford Dictionary defines racism as the belief that one race is superior to others, leading to prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against individuals of different races. Some define racism simply as hatred for other races. Do these definitions support or contradict each other? Is it possible to harbor hatred for another race while genuinely believing that they are inferior to yours? Furthermore, is hatred the only emotion rooted in racism? What about jealousy or envy? What about fear or anger? These are all powerful emotions that influence people’s decision-making every day.

Both definitions of racism are accurate but also incomplete. Racism encompasses more than just one race believing it is superior or hating another. It manifests in various forms.

In modern-day America, the term “racist” has become a label for individuals who make comments about other races that we disagree with. I completely disagree with this trend because it is not only inaccurate but potentially dangerous. Not every inappropriate comment is racist. Understandably, emotions can run high when such comments resonate deeply, but that doesn’t necessarily make the person behind the comments a racist.

We are all too familiar with the headlines that read “Police Officer Shoots Unarmed Black Man.” In these instances, the officer is often labeled a racist by the public, who then calls for their immediate dismissal and arrest. If an officer shoots an unarmed person who poses no threat, they should face legal consequences regardless of their identity or position. But does that make the officer a racist simply because the victim is of a different race? If the officer is indeed racist, does that mean they believe they are superior to their victim based on skin color? Were they frightened because the victim was Black? Did the officer associate Black people only with negative or violent encounters? Did they undervalue the victim’s life because of the color of his skin? These are crucial questions that need to be explored before labeling an officer as racist.

Some may argue that even asking such questions can be viewed as racist, but how can we build a more tolerant society without understanding each other? How can we understand each other if we don’t engage in difficult and uncomfortable conversations? Sometimes it feels as though the idea of America is much better than its reality.

So, is America racist? America is a nation comprised of individuals with both unique and shared experiences that shape how each person interacts with others, either positively or negatively. If that is true, then America isn’t too different from other countries around the world. Perhaps the entire world grapples with racism, and what we need is to do better.