31 JANUARY 1987, Page 25

Racism defined

Sir: Nicholas Budgen (`Compulsory Pun- jabi', 24 January) complains that no one knows what racism is and suggests that the word should be given a definition. The supplement to the Shorter Oxford Diction- ary defines the word as 'A theory that distinctive human characteristics, abilities etc. are determined by, race. Hence Ra- cist.'

As a theory, it invites discussion, yet receives mere condemnation. As a belief it is a private matter.

As there is so much unreasoning emo- tion on the subject of race, it might be unwise to ask for a new definition. The blandness of the existing one should suf- fice.

B. J. Kennedy 14 Tamar Avenue, Taunton,

Somerset