Redefining racism

I've observed an emerging theme on the Left which says, in effect, that unless you wield power, you can't be accused of racism, the implication being that you have to be an establishment white male in order to be a racist. Just Google racism+prejudice+power and you'll see what I mean, but here's a sample:

Thus, from a macro perspective, only Whites as [a] group can be labeled as racist in society, for the socioeconomic system is structured in their favor.

Just for the record, here's what the dictionary says about the word:

rac⋅ism [rey-siz-uhm]
–noun
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

I guess in broad terms, the second definition meets the power prerequisite, but it's really referring to institutional racism and not individual racism, so the argument that one must wield power in order to be a racist still doesn't hold water.

The real danger in this thinking is that according to this bit of multi-culti Leftist doctrine, a crazy white guy living in his mom's basement who decides to go out and torch a black church can't be a racist because he lacks power. The notion that he holds power just because he's white is, in itself, racist.