Correspondence!

After last week’s somewhat controversial discussion on racism (etc), I have been inundated with correspondence. Hence the title of this week’s entry!
Amongst this great mound of largely supportive email was this contribution:

“Dear Anthony
Thankyou so much for your wise and timely words on the subject of racism (etc). They [the words] moved me. About four metres! Hahaha.
Seriously, though, I have often been accused of ‘casual racism’. The trouble is, I don’t really understand the term.
Can you help?

Yours hatefully
Jemima Khan”
via email

Thanks for your kind words, Jemima, and remember, if you are a racist – casual or otherwise [keep reading!] – I hate you.

Now, to get down to brass explanations. Racism comes in many forms, and lesser people than I have attempted to categorise these forms in the past. As you can see from the list below, casual racism is at number 2.

1. Informal Racism
This is the most common form of racism. It often takes place without the racist in question even really understanding that they are being racist. It generally takes place whilst people are naked, and often in the changing rooms of gymnasiums or sporting facilities. Informal racism can be expressed as a furtive glance, an involuntary gasp, one or more raised eyebrows, or other, usually non-verbal methods of communication.

2. Casual Racism
People who indulge in casual racism, such as our correspondent Jemima, do so whilst wearing shorts, t-shirts, sandals, dressing gowns, loafers, tracksuits, or other forms of attire which allow them to feel relaxed and comfortable. It often takes place in the racist’s own home, and as such is a particularly insidious type of racism. It often takes the form of drunken slurs during sporting events or election night coverage.

3. Smart Casual Racism
Smart casual racism is very similar to casual racism, but it takes place whilst guests are visiting. If you are in any doubt as to whether a racist comment is ‘casual’ or ‘smart casual’, look for evidence of trouser-suits or handshakes.

4. Semi-Formal Racism
Those who indulge in semi-formal racism do so in bars, restaurants, nightclubs, dinner parties, and other venues where numerous people might be present. Semi-formal racists will usually respond to a racist comment to which they agree with the phrase “Forsooth, motherfucker.”

5. Black Tie Racism
Black tie racism is generally spotted during toasts made at weddings, formal dinners, awards ceremonies etc. Typical examples include: ‘God save the queen, and down with Jews!’; ‘Wishing you many wonderful years of marriage, as long as neither of you is Austrian’; and ‘To the future prosperity of the Guild of Chartered Practising Accountants – and may the Lord punish all those who choose to hail from the Indian sub-continent. Cheers!’ It is a particularly bad form of racism in that it is very difficult to extract oneself from a toast after one’s glass is raised.

6. Ultra-Formal Racism
This is a rare form of racism, and usually involves a high ranking member of the clergy uttering horribly bigoted epithets during a royal coronation. Others capable of ultra-formal racism are England’s Prince Phillip, and the Pope.


I hope that has answered your question. If not, bad luck!

Hate on, dudes!

Anthony