Why are

Why the question? Is this for an assignment at School?
Any racist remark to a person of a different race is offensive.

I think its mostly in the definiton of " racist remark ".

If it is true in nature then yes it is offensive. But if its directed at truth then its a statement.

You're right califdadof3...

Because they are mostly of a derogatory or insulting nature.

Belittling someone of a different colour, is usually because the person making the remark is ill mannered and ignorant, we are all Humans and all entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.

Regardless of the colour of our skin.

True...

Yeah, generally they are meant as hurtful words, and are taken that way. I enjoy racist jokes with friends of all races at times, they are less sensitive to that rather than being called something racist.

In reality most racist comments are not true, or if so, only by a small amount or isolated cases that otherwise apply to most all races.

The idea that one person thinks they are better than any other person for any reason is a result of stupidity. Each person is different, yes, but what gives any person to declare their differences superior to another's.

People are hurt by words sometimes. I agree with infojunkie. Some do it to feel superior..some just don't know any better.

Hello J:

I'm going to disagree with my friends here. There are TWO things to consider when answering your question; (1) what's in a racist's MIND, and (2) what does he DO about it. Your question refers only to what's in someone's mind - what his "views" are, if you will. Frankly, I don't find anything people think to be offensive. My thoughts aren't all that pure, either.

But, if you meant to question us about whether racist ACTIONS are offense, they, of course, ARE, and for all of the reasons they listed...

excon

Something is offensive when it is intended to demean and belittle. When its based not on any facts, but simply on an unreasoning belief.

Your question does need to be put in the context of why you are asking.

Just because a viewpoint is offensive does not mean the person isn't entitled to that viewpoint. People are entitled to their viewpoints no matter how ridiculous, stupid or unreasoning they are. But then I have the right to view such a person as dumb, hateful and bigoted.

The second part of this is what a person does with their viewpoint as excon pointed out. I believe that a person should be allowed to do what they want up to, but not including when that something infringes on another person's right to do what they want. Clearly the offensive nature of racism interferes with other people's rights so, expressing and acting on those viewpoints becomes offensive and in some cases, illegal.