Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to-play-the-race-card
idiom
/tə pleɪ ðə reɪs kɑrd/
Definition
To invoke issues of race or racism in a discussion or disagreement to gain an advantage or shift focus.
Examples
- During the debate, he felt she was playing the race card to divert attention from her own shortcomings.
- She accused him of playing the race card when he brought up his experiences as a person of color in the workplace.
- Some politicians warn against playing the race card in a way that overshadows real policy discussions.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that someone is using their racial identity or experiences of racism to manipulate a situation or to distract from the actual issue at hand.
Synonyms
- invoke race
- race baiting
- appeal to racial issues
