There has been a lot of talk about how to define racism, one of which is the power argument. Is this a valid definition? Why? How does this affect views of racism/sexism across the board? Is this a mere excuse to be racist and sexist? How does this work at the individual level?
While racism exists all over the world, American racism is unique in that is had been (and in some cases, still is) a major driving force in the nation's economic, political, and social sustenance for centuries. Racism remains a strong systematically structured construct within American life, and in order for non-POC to truly understand the impact of racism, they must first understand that.
As a Black American man myself, living in the 21st century, I cannot count on my fingers the amount of times I've had to deal with racism and racist people, but the hardest part for me isn't the actual endeavors - I know they will always come. The hardest part is dealing with the people who insist I am lying. I am more ticked off at them than the actual perpetrators. However, I'd like to answer the questions above individually to offer my perspective on the matter.
Is this a valid definition??
Literally, no, but the power argument, also known as
Prejudice via Institutional Power, is the source of American racism, and remains the biggest contributor. It is easiest for those in power to exhibit prejudice of all kinds, including racism.
Because racism in its most basic form is "mistreatment of others due to their racial background." However, as we all know, it goes much deeper than that, especially in the United States.
How does this affect views of racism/sexism across the board?
It doesn't. It simply explains the gravity of the situation. Both racism and sexism have been heavily systematic throughout American history, and the power of wealthy white men was and continues to be the greatest driving force, but there also comes the fellow citizens who also exhibit great prejudice. The power argument does not fly here.
Is this a mere excuse to be racist and sexist?
No. It's an excuse to ignore racism and sexism.
How does this work at the individual level?
For the one suffering, all they can do is tell their story and hope others listen. For the ones who aren't in those groups, their job is to listen. Take in the stories told by the suffering and learn from them. We cannot solve either issue if we refuse to actually hear and heed the voices of those crying out for justice.