[shadowgovt]

> "saying racist things" is still not the same thing as "being racist"

I think whether that assertion is true hinges on whether one is of the opinion that there is meaningful difference between one's actions and the content of one's character or whether "ye shall know them by their fruits," as it were.

But even if we use the duality approach of separating action from character: if one does a racist thing unintentionally, then given the opportunity to do so, does not apologize, I would be understanding of those who choose to believe that the action was a reflection of the content of the actor's heart.

Apologies are something we do when we've done wrong, after all. Whether the wrong was intended.