Racism is a word. It is just a word. It is not the thing it represents. It does not contain within it, the pain or hurt or anger that accompanies the act itself. It doesn’t possess the hatred that those who embody it feel or manifest every day of their lives. It is just one word in a forest of words used to describe human emotion. Emotions that are not simply felt or brooded over, but which escape from deep within and wither everything in their path. But words are not sentient beings. They do not possess intentions nor are they able to propel themselves at others. They are dormant, like rocks, until they are hurled at others in a moment of anger, or whispered to a loved one in a moment of pain.

But they are also plentiful. There’s another word that is less used but more nuanced — prejudice. Basic Latin roots — to pre-judge. To have in place an idea, feeling or opinion about something or someone, before we’ve even met them. We all have prejudices. Some live their entire lives without ever hurting anyone. Some are so short-lived, they die upon meeting the man or woman their daughter has fallen in love with. Others influence how we think or what we say, making us look like fools and inadvertently providing us with an opportunity to change.

I agree with one commenter who said that being labeled a racist is not something an individual should do for themselves. I agree, because racism is an active-noun. It is something done. An act of rage. Reason becoming unhinged and falling aside. A shout-out to a baser part of ourselves that could have been left hidden, to die an unheralded death, but instead is brought forth in a moment of pique and insanity. Racism is the amalgamation of all things vile and evil; the ultimate act of self-loathing.

There is yet another word that might be useful in this discussion — stupidity.

Lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull.

Having or showing a great lack of intelligence or common sense.

Characterized by or proceeding from mental dullness; foolish; senseless:

Let’s find the right word to fit the concept, especially one as important as this one.