FTI: What Is Racism? Examining Competing Definitions Through Critical Thinking

About this event

Description: Few topics generate more disagreement than the definition of racism itself. Many ethnic studies scholars define racism as "prejudice plus power," arguing that racism requires both personal prejudice and systemic or institutional power. Under this framework, individuals who lack institutional power may be prejudiced, but they are not considered racist. Others argue that racism simply means treating people unfairly because of their race, regardless of who is doing it. They contend that limiting the term to certain groups creates a double standard, undermines fairness, and may itself contribute to greater racial division. Which definition is more accurate? Which is more useful? And how should society decide when respected experts disagree? Join us for a thoughtful, civil fireside chat as host Garrett Lang and special guest Simone Samuels examine both perspectives, explore the evidence and reasoning behind each, and invite audience questions in an open Q&A. This conversation is not about telling you what to think—it's about practicing the critical thinking needed to evaluate competing ideas for yourself. Whether you strongly favor one definition or are still undecided, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of one of today's most important and controversial debates. Format: Lecture and discussion We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off. Here’s our legal notice: Recording and Media Release Notice For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction. I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses. Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies. By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.