Is it legal to be racist or prejudice in the United States of America?

Question

First and most importantly, I want to emphasize that I'm NOT racist. In fact I'm a minority myself. Although the question itself may sound stupid, I want to know if being racist or prejudice in the United States is legal or illegal? If it is legal to be racist in a personal level, then why is it illegal to be racist in when it comes to starting a business of your own? What I mean is that many if I start a large business I hear that you have to contract a certain amount of people from different races, religions, etc. What if I have a large company and want to hire only Hispanics, but not any other race may apply? What if I own a restaurant why can't I keep certain people from coming in to my restaurant? Again I'm not racist, I was wondering if the U.S. protects the rights of all people and their beliefs, then that means that people who are prejudice or racist also have rights and if they want to segregate themselves and segregate their businesses then they should be allowed to. Or no? I don't know what the U.S. Constitution or statutes say about that aspect. I mean if someone is racist shouldn't the government respect my decision to segregate others. I know, this to me also sounds stupid but it just keeps me thinking. Thank you.

Betsy · Accepted Answer

It is not illegal to be racist or prejudiced.  A person can think what ever s/he wants to think..  It is, however, illegal to discriminate against a person for certain reasons and in certain ways.  For example, it is illegal to discriminate against people based on race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in some situations.  These often include employment, housing, public accommodation, and education.  The reason discrimination is illegal is that it is harmful to those you are discriminating against.  It also undermines our society because it creates hostility and means that we don't benefit from the talents that some people have but are unable to use due to discrimination.

The logic you are using to argue your position could also be used to justify crime.  If, for example, it is legal to think about shoplifting, then does that mean that shoplifting should be legal? In the United States we don't punish people for what they think, but people can be punished for what they do.

JTT · Answer

How is wanting to hire only one race for your business NOT being racist? Wouldn't it be more objective to look for the best candidate, regardless of race?

Fan of Calvin Coolidge · Answer

if you're black, you can be as racist as you'd like... if your white and you don't hire 50% blacks... then you're a racist in the eyes of the law.

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Is it legal to be racist or prejudice in the United States of America?

2 Answers