The 'actual definition of race' is part of the problem - there isn't one that even scientists will agree on, not unless you go with the entirely unproblematic 'human race.'

When people talk about 'racism' it's on the assumption that this word means bigoted discrimination. In fact, it's an inappropriate term to use. Why does this matter? Because it implies that the things I don't like about you because you're different, I can dismiss as biological. And if that's the case, there's far less imperative to do anything about it/look to my own responses or examine my culpability because, after all, 'race' is a biological 'fact.'

Do I think reclaiming the term will cure all the bigotry in the world? Of course not. This isn't a thread about that. It's about the terms we use and the ideology behind them and the clearer vision we could have if we stopped misnaming things and saw them more clearly.