Why are people fine saying comments are anti-Semitic or sexist, etc. but can't say "racist"?

[EffieBlack]

For example, during the controversy over Ilhan Omar's comments this week, whether they were criticizing or defending, everyone used the term "anti-Semitic" - as in they either were anti-Semitic or they weren't anti-Semitic. But unless someone comes out and calls a black person "N!gg3r," the comments are described as "racially insensitive" or one of my new favorites "racially-charged.'"

No one ever says "Semitically insensitive" or "Semitically-charged" or "gender-insensitive," etc.

Why is there such a reluctance to call something racist when there's not a similar apprehension about calling out other forms of isms?

[sheshe2]

1. Amen, amen.

Hallelujah.



Sing it sister.

[akraven]

2. I think she is a highly intelligent, well informed great new leader

who is going places. And I'm white.

[uponit7771]

3. IKR !?!?!

[mercuryblues]

4. Because you have to

soft pedal racism to some white people or they will get offended.

[EffieBlack]

6. But we don't have to soft-pedal antisemitism or sexism?

[mercuryblues]

7. Although antisemitism and sexism

crosses racial lines, white people are perceived as the main victims. As a result harsher words can be used. When referring to racism the victims are people of color and white people literally have no skin involved. Some take it personally and get upset/defensive when directly called out on it. Skirting around the edges can make them less so.

[betsuni]

5. K&R