Yes, you have two different perspectives, but you don't seem to have a difference on terms. Where that difference would come, does come in that context, is with partisans of each side accusing the other of being racist because they are using different usages of the term racist, and of course racist is a loaded term, so few people are willing to admit that they are one, even if by the other fellow's definition they are.
As it happens, I agree with you. There was a saying in the 60s "There is no way to peace; peace IS the way." I think the same about equality. There is no way to equality; equality is the way." Treat people equally, and you have equality. Treat them unequally, even with the best of intentions, and you will never achieve equality.
But the thing about your example is that you were able to identify and recognize differing perpsectives because you had agreement on the meaning of the words used and so were able to communicate your differences clearly.
Sure, sometimes trying to clarify language can be a distraction. But sometimes it's an essential to communication, and without such discussion and agreement there is no way to listen to the spirit of what is said because what you hear is bound up with how you understand the words being said. |
