Richard,
My RandomHouse College Dictionary defines "racism" as: "a doctrine that
inherent differences among various human races determine cultural or
individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is
superior." "Racialism" is defined as "the belief in or practice of
racism."
For the record, I did not call you a racist. But it is the case that, at
least according to some definitions, your argument might be perceived as
racist. And I believe it is a racist argument. However, people are often
unaware of the racist and sexist assumptions embedded in the arguments
they present. So I stop short of calling you a racist because I believe
that your position comes from a place of ignorance and uncritical
reflection. You often regurgitate conventional piety in an unthinking
manner, Richard, (such as your anticommunist post several days back where
you gave a blanket pronouncement on the failures of Marx--I thought of
writing a response then, but your statement was so reactionary I didn't
want to dignify it) and it just so happens that this was one point where a
lot of people have a lot to lose by permitting falsehoods to go
uncriticized. What do they have to lose? Their livelihoods and sometimes
their lives.
I should say that instead of you attacking those who have brought to you
attention your egregious errors, you might thank them for this and take
some time to critically reflect upon the assumptions that have colonized
your worldview. The US pragmatist William James long ago contrasted the
"once-born" and the "twice-born," with the latter having accepted the
possibility of error and about working through these errors. You were
surprised by the mobilization of anti-racist forces. I understand this.
Your defensive posture gives your dismayment away. But the critics are
right, Richard.
This post is public because the error was public. From the history of our
past communications I don't have much faith that this post will be met
with the understanding of a twice-born individual. But what little faith
I sometimes may have in my comrades is always undying.
Sincerely,
Andrew Austin