thank you, terry, for checking up on that--i too had wondered.  i know
several members have done quite a bit of work on racism--anyone else have
insight on the word and it's entrance into usage?  surely there was
another, similar word which was used in its place? i'm thinking "bigotry"
maybe "bias."

wasn't the idea of race something that came out of social darwinism?  that
predates the 1940's. i wonder if the OED is online?

my dictionary lists a similar word--"racialism"  perhaps that was in use
instead?

any ideas?

kathy farretta
northern arizona university