The reason why terms like "bigot" and "racist" are used so much is because there are so damn many bigots and racists. People are prejudiced about all sorts of things, including race, ethnicity, age, height, sex, sexual orientation, weight, class, beauty, etc. There are plenty of studies showing that prejudice on these things is not only a matter of what people believe, but affects what people do (like hiring for a job, for example). Beliefs affect actions, and actions affect others. So your beliefs matter for other people.
People will likely stop using the terms "bigot" and "racist" when other people stop being bigoted and racist. Or in other words, not in your lifetime, if ever. So you should get used to hearing the terms with some frequency.
People will likely stop using the terms "bigot" and "racist" when other people stop being bigoted and racist. Or in other words, not in your lifetime, if ever. So you should get used to hearing the terms with some frequency.
"A wise man ... proportions his belief to the evidence."
— David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Section X, Part I.
