What is a Racist?

The word used to me, in my understanding, someone who believes some races are inferior, less valuable, not fully human. Or, more simply, that some races are better suited to rule and some less so, never mind humans rights or the notion that all humans are created equal in rights. 

Now, the word seems to mean "you are not an American with black skin". Or, "you are white". 

This is a complex nuanced topic. I get the influence of the unconscious and the ways that even non-black in the US have unconscious or conscious negative associations with blacks based on distorted facts, inculturation by the dominant class, real and unfortunate experiences or poor parenting. 

It does not seem to be enough to be a person who treats other people well. One could do that and still be called a racist. The basis of the claim could be on some pretty spotty grounds. Taking an action to hurt another person is not a requirement to be termed a racist. One could even amass a life time of kindness to others, say the wrong thing, and all of a sudden be tossed in the pit of boiling racist tar and feathers. 

Life is plenty hard for any of us, essentially all the time. It is harder when the rules are changing this fast and for seemingly arbitrary reasons. 

https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/501857-am-i-racist