Objective Isms

Interesting post at Majikthise on the question of whether defining racism or sexism—and making determinations about when and whether something is racist or sexist—is the exclusive prerogative of the folks in the relevant discriminated-against group. The springboard for all this is PETA's appalling campaign (and this is someone who's a veg for ethical reasons writing) comparing animal mistreatment with slavery, about which Will Saletan has a typically smart piece at Slate today. (I agree with Saletan and Majikthise, incidentally, that while the PETA exhibit is offensive, it's not because it's racist.)