"If their advancement is simply to meet some ideological quota, that's racist."
Only if it is based on the premise that the advancement requires the action of a group that is inherently superior. Of course, it that were the case it wouldn't diminish racism.
One of the problems in these types of discussions is that the definition of the term "racism" is often assumed to be universally understood. As such, it frequently expands into any negative attitude or even action toward others with a different background. To further complicate the matter, sometimes other backgrounds (e.g. specific religions) are also grouped under "race".
In reality "racism" has a very narrow meaning that necessitates a concept of superiority based on the artificial construct of "human races".
Biting the hand that feeds IT
