Key Difference – Racist vs Bigot
Racist and bigot are negative terms that indicate intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination. Although these two words can be used interchangeably in some instances, there is a fundamental difference between racist and bigot. A racist is a person who shows prejudice or discrimination to people of other races. A bigot is a person who is irrationally and unfairly intolerant to people who are different. The key difference between racist and bigot is that racists show intolerance towards people of other races whereas bigots show intolerance towards people of other religions, races, ethnicities, political groups, etc.
Who is a Racist?
A racist is someone who demonstrates or feels discrimination or prejudice against individuals of other races. This person often believes that a specific race, usually their own, is superior to others. A common example of racism is determining the inferiority or superiority of a race by skin color. Racist ideas often stem from ignorance, non-familiarity with other races, and the superiority complex about one’s own culture.
An example of racism is the Jim Crow laws in the US, which promoted racial segregation in the Southern U.S, where African Americans were segregated in public places.
Who is a Bigot?
A bigot is someone who is unfairly and irrationally intolerant towards those who are different and hold different opinions. This person is partial to their own race, religion, group, or political views, etc., and considers them superior to others. Bigots may express hatred, aggression, and sometimes violence towards those who are different. For example, religious extremists, elitists, and racists can be viewed as bigots since they are intolerant towards those who are different from them.
Bigotry is the intolerance towards those who are different. Racism, prejudice against homosexuality, and religious intolerance are good examples of bigotry.
What is the difference between Racist and Bigot?
- Meaning: A racist is a person who shows or feels discrimination or prejudice against people of other races. A bigot is a person who is unfairly and irrationally intolerant towards those who are different.
- Intolerance: Racists are intolerant towards people of other races and ethnicities. Bigots are intolerant towards people of other races, religions, ethnicities, political parties, etc.
- Relation: Racists are bigots. Bigots may not always be racists.
- Racist vs Bigot: A racist is a person who practices racism. A bigot is a person who practices bigotry.
