Okay guess I’ll share my opinion on this matter as well. Firstly I have to point out that the official investigation is still in the progress so we should not label anyone racist at this point (and I mean both sides of the story). Secondly I sincerely hope that in case of racism having occurred it is condemned by each and everyone. Thirdly, the words used by the 4O were stupid considering the era we live in and he should have not used skin color as a defining feature (although usage of those words was understandable in the situation, it still was not wise).
That being said what I personally think is the biggest issue in this incident and the racism discussion as a whole is the fact that many “racist incidents” simply do not fit into the idea and definition of racism. At least what I and many people I have been talking have been taught. Following is a definition of racism by Oxford Languages.
“prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized. “
Was what the 4O did prejudice, discrimination or antagonism against the people with darker pigmentation (I tried to Google how to say Black without saying black but didn’t find anything sensible so hopefully you understand (not trying to offend anyone)). It clearly is not as he used “Bla*k” as a identifying feature, same way as dark hair, beard, height etc..
Here we come to the issue I am facing with a lot of discussion from the topic. Some people seem to think that racism is racism if someone thinks its racism (in this case the person who the message was intended, though as, for example, in the recent Cavani case it were complete outsiders who took it as racism). The problem being, especially in modern climate were racist are pretty much outcasted by society, the risk of message not intended as racist being perceived as racist. As happened in the Cavani case. So a wrong choice of words, wrong action or just being at the wrong place at the wrong time could mean that your entire life is ****ed. Especially considering that “trial by social media” is very much a thing nowdays and there has to be no investigation or verdict by any authorities and you still have a mark of a racist for the rest of your life.
I want to highlight once more that I don’t support racism on any level and I think (as everyone should) that everyone should and is equal regardless of their religion, sex, skin color etc. We should just have a better, clearer and universally accepted definition of racism and better, more civilized, ways to get justice if one faces it.