The Heart Of Racism, And Tommie Shelby Paper - 1177 Words

Statement of the particular issue to be addressed: What is racism? The Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines racism as â€Å"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†. Is it actions or beliefs that make someone or something fundamentally racist? These are the main ideas behind J.L.A Garcia’s paper â€Å"The Heart of Racism† and Tommie Shelby paper â€Å"Is Racism in the Heart?† Exposition of the opposed position: According to Garcia racism is defined as â€Å"a vicious kind of racially based disregard for the welfare of certain people, in its central and most vicious form, it is hatred directed against a person or persons on the account of their assigned race† (Garcia; 236). Garcia proposes that in order for a particular action to be considered racist that it needs to be based on the attitudes or desires of the person. Which means that they have harbor ill will for the individual on the sole basis of race. Arguments and reasons supporting that position Garcia states that the advantages to his position by stating: that prejudice is not essential to racism. That some racial prejudice may not be considered inherently racist. Garcia explains â€Å"The beliefs themselves can be called â€Å"racist† in an extended sense because they are characteristically racist. However, just as one may make a move without acting wisely (as when one makes sound investments for stupid reasons), so one may hold