Appiah observes apparent inconsistencies in the application of the term “racist.” Although it is held by many to be racist to refuse entry to a community on the basis of race,  admissions to universities and other communities (Jewish clubs, Afro-American societies) are decided on the basis of what many would regard as race.
     In a deeper analysis, these practices may be consistent with an abhorrence of racism. If racism is not rational, it should be given up by reasonable people.
     Three distinct doctrines may be detected: 1) racialism, 2) extrinsic racism, 3) intrinsic racism.
     Racialism: hereditary characteristics allow the division of the human species into a few races that possess different racial essences. Among the racial essences are different moral and intellectual dispositions. Racialism is a presupposition of extrinsic and intrinsic racism.
     Extrinsic Racism: racial essences—of honesty, liberality, courage, or intelligence--entitle people to different treatment. Evidence of dispositions may alter conclusions about racial essences, although a “cognitive incapacity” may block the alteration of conclusions.
     Intrinsic Racism: the bare fact of belonging to the same race is a reason for preferring one person to another.