Bigot vs. Racist: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 16, 2023
A bigot is someone intolerant toward those with differing opinions or beliefs; a racist discriminates or holds prejudice based on race.
Key Differences
A bigot is a person who holds strong, unreasonable prejudices against certain groups of people or beliefs and is intolerant of opinions different from their own. In contrast, a racist specifically holds biases against people based on their racial or ethnic background. While both bigot and racist reflect negative attitudes and intolerance, their areas of focus are distinct.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Bigotry can be found in many areas beyond just race, such as religion, politics, or gender. For instance, someone might be a bigot if they harbor unwarranted animosity towards individuals of a different faith or gender. Racism, on the other hand, is narrowly focused on the idea that certain racial groups are superior or inferior to others. It's a form of bigotry, but specifically tied to race.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Someone can be a bigot without necessarily being a racist. For example, a person might strongly oppose a particular political ideology and refuse to engage with or understand its supporters. This makes them bigoted in that context. However, a racist always holds prejudices based on race, viewing one racial group as superior or inferior to another.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
While all racists can be considered bigots (since racism is a form of bigotry), not all bigots are racists. A bigot's prejudice can be rooted in multiple areas, while a racist's prejudice is based strictly on racial differences. Both terms denote prejudice and intolerance, but they are applied in different contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Intolerant toward those with different opinions/beliefs
Discriminates or holds prejudice based on race
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
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Scope
Broader (can be about religion, gender, politics, etc.)
Specific to race
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Examples
Anti-religious, sexist, or xenophobic beliefs
Belief in racial superiority or inferiority
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Origin of Prejudice
Can be personal or cultural beliefs
Typically rooted in cultural or systemic beliefs
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Consequence
Polarization, closed-mindedness, discrimination
Systemic discrimination, racial bias, hate crimes
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Bigot and Racist Definitions
Bigot
An individual who refuses to accept different racial, religious, or political group views.
The town's history was marred by leaders who were bigots, making it unwelcoming to outsiders.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
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Racist
An individual who holds stereotypes about racial groups.
Her racist assumptions about her classmate's abilities were based on harmful stereotypes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Bigot
A person who's intolerant to those holding different opinions.
Despite living in a diverse community, he remained a bigot and avoided interacting with neighbors who held different beliefs.
Huma Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Racist
Someone who discriminates or shows prejudice based on race.
The employer was found guilty of being a racist after not hiring someone purely due to their ethnicity.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Bigot
Someone with strong, unreasonable beliefs and prejudices.
Her bigot stance against certain religions made it hard for her coworkers to relate to her.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Racist
A person who believes in the superiority of one race over another.
His racist beliefs were evident when he claimed that one race was smarter than another.
Huma Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
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Bigot
An individual resistant to change because of personal prejudices.
The company struggled because its CEO was a bigot, unwilling to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Racist
Someone who supports systemic practices that discriminate based on race.
The policy was racist in nature, favoring one racial group over another in housing allocation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Bigot
A person who exhibits blind and unreasonable zealotry.
His inability to entertain opposing viewpoints labeled him as a bigot in many social circles.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Racist
A person who mistreats or insults others based on their racial background.
The man was called out for his racist comments during the meeting.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Bigot
One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 22, 2016
Racist
The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 22, 2016
Bigot
One who is narrow-mindedly devoted to their own ideas and groups, and intolerant of (people of) differing ideas, races, genders, religions, politics, etc.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 22, 2016
FAQs
What is a bigot?
A bigot is someone intolerant of differing opinions or beliefs.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What does racist mean?
A racist is someone who discriminates or holds prejudice based on race.
Huma Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can someone be both a bigot and racist?
Yes, if their intolerance encompasses both differing opinions and racial prejudices.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What are examples of bigot behavior?
Avoiding people of a certain religion or mocking someone's political beliefs.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
How is systemic racism different from individual racist beliefs?
Systemic racism is institutional, affecting structures and policies, while individual beliefs are personal.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Why is understanding the difference between bigot and racist important?
It helps address specific forms of prejudice and promotes clearer communication.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
How can society challenge bigot views?
Through education, dialogue, and promoting tolerance and understanding.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Is a person born a bigot or racist?
No, these are learned behaviors and beliefs influenced by environment and upbringing.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can a statement be unintentionally racist?
Yes, sometimes due to ignorance or lack of awareness.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can institutions or systems be bigoted?
Yes, if their policies or practices unfairly favor one group over another.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can someone be racist without realizing it?
Yes, sometimes due to ingrained beliefs or lack of education on the matter.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What are the societal impacts of racism?
Discrimination, marginalization, and perpetuation of racial inequalities.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
How has the definition of racism evolved over time?
It has broadened to encompass systemic forms and subtle biases, not just overt prejudice.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Is racism a form of bigotry?
Yes, racism is a specific form of bigotry related to racial prejudice.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
How can one counteract bigot beliefs?
Through education, exposure to diverse perspectives, and self-awareness.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
How is racism expressed?
Through beliefs, statements, actions, or systemic practices.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can an act be deemed racist even if not intended to be?
Yes, if it perpetuates racial stereotypes or disadvantages based on race.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can bigotry be about gender or nationality?
Yes, bigotry can manifest in prejudices against any group or belief.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
