I think that racism used to be a political stance that got demonized so much that it became a taboo. That caused a negative feedback loop because naturally people don't want their heritage erased so they fight back, which is then demonized, which then needs more fighting back.

The term has evolved to include "systemic" which we can clearly see is more bullshit than not, and proves that it's political and not some higher moral virtue.

The truth is complicated and terms like "racist" are conceptual propaganda so that people believe in a cartoon reality where they can be more easily manipulated.