What REALLY is racism?

Let's discuss this. From Dictionary.com (yup I'm too lazy to do real research):

1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

What many people don't notice is the nuances of the definition. Consider.

Is NOTICING and DISCUSSING cultural differences, and even failings WITHOUT DRAWING a VALUE JUDGEMENT BETWEEN cultures meet the test of these three definitions?

I say NO. People who are NOT color blind aren't racists. They're honest and not pretending to be PC.

IS taking Bill Cosby's view that cultures like the black culture in urban cities which don't value two-parent families...makes for failing offspring...is THAT raciist? No. Otherwise every sociologist who studies culture is racist. The missing element is this phrase, "usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others." and this one, "hatred or intolerance of another race or other races."

Put another way, to DISCUSS Nazism, does not make one a Nazi!

If you were to characterize me as being provocative, and blunt to the point of offense for characterizing people's weaknesses outloud, well yes, I'm that.

The real problem with political correctness is that people are so afraid to be ostracized for not practicing it, they're afraid to even MENTION difficult subjects---even when it's in society's best interest to debate them.

The relationship between poverty and race, poverty and education, discrimination and success, single moms and their sons failure to thrive, those are ALL important topics to talk about. Another is the issue could be construed as racism, when actually its a positive topic needing to be discussed: Is it societal racism when schools fail to teach WHITE ENGLISH to black/hispanic/asian children when in fact, failing to do so closes many economic opportunities for minority children.

To suggest that minority children whose accents are thick are at an economic disadvantage isn't racism. It's reality. It's RACIST to roll your eyes and say, 'so what, they wouldn't succeed anyway.'

Does that bring you an epiphany on the real meaning of the word?