Racists?

The word racist is over prescriptive when it describes the criticism, censure or even disapproval of another, country, race or religion.
We (English) are an insular race, proud of our background and the role we have adopted over the centuries. We are even parochial. Haven’t you ever been in your local pub or library and a stranger to your street or neighborhood walks in?
Even if they are of the same race, religion, etc, we say (or think) ‘What are they doing here?’ Or ‘What is he up to’. Sometimes it makes us feel uneasy when strangers appear on our patch!
This does not make us racists or bigots. It is quite natural.

Just because we critisise others, even our own neighbors at times, doesn’t mean we are racist. We have strong and weak, black and white, male and female. All differences have their strength and weaknesses. Why don't we just accept that we cannot be all the same? Prejudices are another thing.

I cannot defend prejudices but I do defend the differences and defend preferences.

Homophobic?
And, while I'm at it. The word 'Homophobic' is also a bit harsh especially when used for people like me who criticise the practice and make their preferences known.
Peter Hitchens from the Daily Mail recently wrote this which counters the use of this word in my view.
"I have no doubt that some of the responses to this posting will accuse me of an invented complaint called 'homophobia'. If and when they do, and I can already hear the faint baying sound of the liberal mob, perhaps they would care to explain exactly what they mean. 'Phobia' means a fear or hatred. I have no fear or hatred of anyone because of his or her choice of sexual activity. It's the action I disapprove of, not the person. I wouldn't bother to write or speak about it if the issue were not incessantly raised by equality campaigners who demand that society changes to suit them. I think sex of any kind outside marriage is wrong, so my disapproval of homosexual acts is just a minor part of a general moral position".
Although we have got to accept that 'men and woman living together as 'partners' is now becoming 'acceptable' to much of the community, and I would have difficulty pushing that sex in that situation is so wrong.
But, I would prefer they got married! If only to pass on the family name and protect the children.