admin notice - new guidelines
Before this admin notice feminist's rules on racism only accounted for slurs, and we know there's a lot more to racism than terminology. We want our community to feel safe for as many people as possible, and our lacking guidelines on racism were not accomplishing that goal. As such, we have come up with some additions to the community guidelines to encompass a broader view of racism and its effects. There are also a few new rules dealing with other forms of oppression and situations we felt needed to be addressed. Comments will be enabled and unscreened if you have any questions or comments. You should also feel free to email us at our email found in the userinfo.

Based on some feedback, here are definitions of racism and sexism as we are using them. We are aware of the dictionary definition; however, we have chosen to use this definition because it is commonly used in anti-racist and social justice communities, and we ask that you also use it while you are in our space. More clarification may be added later:
racism = prejudice + power
sexism = prejudice + power
We separate these things from prejudice because the implications of racism and sexism (as we define them) are so much more significant and powerful than those of prejudice.
Need proof?
http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:-I5y1lLfQYsJ:www.canopyweb.com/racism/tent1.doc+racism+definition&hl=en&client=firefox-a
There are a few on here: http://www.euroamerican.org/library/definitions_racism.asp
Undoing Racism Key Definitions

Reverse racism is not a valid concept: You may not bring up points which imply reverse racism or explicitly say that you believe it to be a real threat. Racism implies powersomething which institutionally whites have, and people of color(POC) do not. Therefore, "reverse racism" does not exist. Prejudice, which is what people often mean when referring to "reverse racism" or "reverse sexism", does exist (see the comments for examples). But it must be noted that this does not in any way hold the same power or significance as racism or sexism. Not even close. Implying that it does is not acceptable.

Reverse sexism is not a valid concept: You may not bring up points which imply reverse sexism or explicitly say that you believe it to be a real threat. Feminism is not sexist, and neither are its goals. Sexism implies power, something which institutionally men have, and women do not. Therefore, "reverse sexism" does not exist.

This holds true for other forms of oppression as well. To oppress, you must have institutional power behind you. Implying a "reverse" of any oppression is absolutely unacceptable in this community.

Ignoring the societal and cultural impacts of racism is not acceptable, and neither is blaming POC for racism: Racism is deeper than slurs. You may not imply or state that POC are to blame for negative situations, or that the playing field is level.

Listen to the experiences of POC, know when to talk and when to step back and hear what someone else has to say: We do not support the further silencing of any voices which have been historically silenced. Be willing to listen if you aren't sure.

We do not live in colorblind societies: Racism is alive and well. Take it seriously if someone suggests racism in a post, event, whatever. It's a safe bet that it is racist. Don't use concepts which are based on the assumption that racism is a thing of the past.

Do not compare "isms": It is trivializing and useless. Other people do not experience oppression to help you prove a point. Each "ism" is significant on its own.

For further reading or possible clarification, please read the links below:
Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
--Interview about White Like Me --Everyone should go get this from the library. NOW.
--Race to Our Credit: Denial, Privilege, and Life as a Majority
--White Whine: Reflections on the Brain-Rotting Properties of Privilege
--It's the Racism, Stupid (affirmative action)
--Collateral Damage: Poor Whites and the Unintended Consequences of Racial Privilege
http://www.unlearningracism.org
http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/caleb/Race_Message.txt
How Not to Go Crazy When Accused of Being Racist: A Guide for White People - From Alas, A Blog
http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2005/12/02/how-not-to-be-insane-when-accused-of-racism/
Privilege is Driving a Smooth Road and Not Even Knowing It - From Alas, A Blog
zhttp://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2005/12/02/privilege-is-driving-a-smooth-road-and-not-even-knowing-it/

These rules go into effect immediately (with the exception of this post - to the mods discretion - for cases of clarification or misunderstanding) and will be linked on the main userinfo.