Race baiting
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Race baiting is the act of using racially derisive language, actions or other forms of communication to anger or intimidate a person or groups of people, or to make those persons behave in ways that are inimical to their personal or group interests. The term race in this context can be construed very broadly to include the social constructs which define race or racial difference, as well as ethnic, religious, gender and economic differences. Thus the use of any language or actions for the purpose of exploiting actual or perceived weaknesses in persons who can be identified as members of certain groups in order to do them some sort of harm can be contained within the concept of "race baiting." Many people who practice race baiting often believe in racism.
The term "race baiting" is also used in as a synonym for "playing the race card" in American politics to refer to situations where one politician accuses another of being a racist. A false charge would be one of the "other forms of communication" that race baiting comprises. Whether a charge is true or not, it can garner additional support for the accuser, especially from the target group and its sympathizers.
