[yummyfajitas]

By most accepted definitions, racism is the belief that one or more race is inherently better or worse in some regard.

What if that belief were true? Would it still be racist?

Concretely (since a reply brings up biology): I believe African women are "better" (taller, have larger asses, and less body hair) than White/Asian women. I believe these differences are primarily biological, likely genetic, in origin.

I do discriminate on the basis of traits correlated with race - I am more attracted to tall, dark women with larger asses. I've dated more women from Africa in the past 6 months than from any other continent.

Am I racist?

(Note: I'm not African, nor will I be offended if you call me racist, so don't hold back. I'm simply attempting to understand the viewpoint expressed.)

[jrs99]

No, it's not racist.

But it doesn't matter. What does it matter to a 4'11" black woman that on average, black women are taller than women of other races? What does it matter to you? Unless you love a woman with a large ass and you have to pick a random woman out of a hat filled with the names of women from only one race, then your best chance might be to select from the hat for black women.

[jiggy2011]

No (at least based on this one hypothetical), unless you use that to justify institutionalised discrimination such as trying to prevent non black women from using dating websites because their asses are too small.

[Mangalor]

I think its racist. If you hold the belief for the group it means it can subconciously affect your beliefs about the individual in the group. i.e., prejudice.

[yummyfajitas]

To clarify, you believe I'm subconsciously believing certain individual black women are taller than they are in reality?

If I could persuade you that I were accurately measuring every woman's height (perhaps by making observations like "she's up to my shoulder" or "she's up to my jaw"), would you be convinced I am not racist?

[jiggy2011]

Only if you hold it to be due to biological differences rather than cultural.

Edit: You must also use it as a justification for discrimination.