Excuse me, but here is the thing - I think there should be a distinction made between the term, and action of "racism" and talk about what "prejudice" is.
Isn't there a term legally about acts done with extreme prejudice or something?
Let's look at the two definitions and go from there:
Prejudice
1. an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.
2. any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.
3. unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, especially of a hostile nature, regarding an ethnic, racial, social, or religious group.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prejudice
Racism
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to the 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.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racism
Wouldn't white guilt ridden liberals who implement government hand out programs to all Black Americans without knowing their ability for individual achievement fall into both categories?
I'm interested in your thoughts.