Webster’s Definition
RACE
Any one of the groups that humans are often divided into based on physical traits regarded as common among people of shared ancestry
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, United States Code
It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer … to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual … because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
RACISM
1. A belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2. The systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another
3. A political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles
The conversation around life in the USA is that the black population is unfairly targeted with bias and prejudice in every instance. What you hear and see (opinions, videos, editorials, testimonies) is all filtered through the lenses of social media, the news media, government, and cable networks. Most of what gets through are sound bites or snap shots highlighted and promoted to shape your reaction and behavior for political or monetary gain.
I have lived in the same house for over 30 years. There are Vietnamese, Koreans, Whites, Blacks, Sri Lankans, and Filipinos on this street. There has never been any incidence of discrimination or favoritism. We are all neighbors and treat each other neighborly. There are no social issues here.
Where we notice race being an issue is by minorities in the media, government spokespersons, political analysts, and news casters bringing up issues that they are portraying as typical and happening to all minorities in all instances, and that the viewpoints they are presenting, represents the viewpoints of all of us. Simply not a truth, fact, or reality. There are always exceptions, but most of those are criminal, bullying, by positions of power – there are laws that deal with these situations for all citizens, not just minorities. This only incites bias and prejudice, especially if it gets national media attention.
If you were looking to form a panel to resolve racial issues, it is recommended no one who uses the terms, racist, systemic racism, white privilege, white supremacy, black lives matter, or BLM as a platform for their beliefs, be included. They can offer no remedies or resolutions. They are wrapped in the stereotypes of the current political conversation. Get a mix of people who don’t below to any organizations on social media, television or cable news. Ordinary, non-connected citizens can best serve this need.