As we think about and discuss the old yearbook photo of the DEMOCRAT Virginia governor (one man in blackface, another in a KKK costume), so many people talk about racism, prejudice, hatred, etc.
But the first question is: what is racism? Define it.
Intelligent trads know that racism is a made-up term, made up by the bad guys and doesn't really mean anything.
What is racism? Acknowledging the existence of races? If so, then so what? Everyone should be "racist" in that sense, as that is common sense.
The fact that the term is so fluid should make us all suspicious of its origin.
But usually it is meant as someone who acknowledges other races, but also thinks that all members of a given race are bad, subhuman, and various uncharitable (read: sinful and/or criminal) behavior follows. At the very least, behavior that most people consider unacceptable (rash judgment, gossip, etc.)
If a white Catholic came up to a white newlywed couple and said, "You have been married for 6 months and you're not pregnant yet. Are you on the pill?" that is simply unacceptable -- regardless of the race of the parties involved. Now some people would only act this way (rude) towards members of another race. What should we call them? A nebulous, fluid term like "racist" or just what they are: a rude or bad person?
Closely related to this is the concept of a "hate crime". If I (a white man) beat up a black man because he is black, it's a "hate crime". But if I beat up a white homeless man, it's what, a "love crime"? See how ridiculous this is? The logical conclusion of this way of thinking: cover all the so-called "hate crimes" on the news, but ignore the equally heinous white-on-white or black-on-black violence. But that is foolish, because assault is assault regardless of the races of the perpetrator/victim.
So we're doing something wrong. My answer: Race is irrelevant in this context. The real issue is the violence, the rudeness, the sinfulness, etc.
To make a point:
John (white man) beats up Mike (white man) because an argument escalated.
Frank (white man) beats up Tyrone (black man) because he hates black people.
Call me "not brainwashed" or in need of a re-education center, but I consider the guilt/evil/malice in these two cases COMPLETELY EQUAL. There is no added heinousness when a crime is done out of "hate" -- because when you bloody someone, beat them up, or shoot them, it's ALWAYS out of hate! Who cares WHY that hatred arose in the heart of the perpetrator: because of an insult, dirty look, fornication with one's sister, what race they are, etc.
But what of those who just want to joke about the traits of the various nations and races? How does that involve hate in any way?
Dressing up in blackface does NOT necessarily imply any level of hatred or even dislike of any race.
I would say: get a sense of humor.