The race man, in determination of the racist element, must consider the question of effect versus intent.
There is great controversy over a variety of subjects especially that of the general culpability of American citizens in the racism and racist nature of our society. as everyone knows there are an awful lot of bad things (how's that for specificity?) that happen to 'racial minorities'. As well there are an awful lot of bad things that happen to Americans because they 'are' 'racial minorities'. The distinction is significant, although it may not be very important.
Hate Crime
Currently, the most popular controversy over the matter of intent is that
of 'hate crime'. There is a legal definition for racial animus as proximate
cause, which distinguishes the hate crime from a crime between parties
who happen to have different quantities of melanin. In other words, hate crimes
occur because there is racist intent.
Residential Segregation
The fact that in America blacks and whites do not reside together is the primary
result of racist discrimination. Strict racial segregation over the centuries,
either explicitly in Jim Crow or implicit in Northern 'propriety', served the
purpose of excluding blacks and others from the mainstream of society. The current
state of American ghettos is a direct result of racist discrimination in housing.
Because of the economic depression of these ghettos, uniquely bad things happen
to their residents. Redlining, for example. It may
be argued that some redlining is simply effect at this late
date. This is a controversial assertion.
One must take into consideration that racial segregation which is voluntary cannot be considered much of a grievance when anti-discrimination in housing lowers the walls. That is to say, if you live in the traditional ghetto and are free to move out, the *effect* of the original discrimination is nullified by your choice to remain in place. If nothing is forcing you to live in the ghetto, you are not a victim of racial discrimination.
White Flight