Meaning & Definition of word "Racism"

Racism

/ˈreɪsɪzəm/

1. Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
- Example: Racism can manifest in both blatant and subtle ways in everyday life.
2. The belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities that can be used to discriminate against people.
- Example: The study explored how systemic racism affects educational opportunities for minority students.
3. A system of advantage based on race, often supported by institutional policies and practices.
- Example: The civil rights movement aimed to dismantle the racism entrenched in laws and social structures.

The term 'racism' is derived from the root 'race' with the suffix '-ism' indicating a belief or doctrine.

racial profiling:

The practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity.

reverse racism:

Discrimination against a dominant or majority group in favor of a minority or marginalized group.

institutional racism:

Racism that is embedded in the policies and practices of social and political institutions.

discrimination:

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people.

prejudice:

Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience.

bigotry:

Intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself.

Meaning: Racism disguised as cultural critique.

Example Sentence: Some people use 'cultural appropriation' as slang for racism.

Meaning: The term 'woke' can refer to being actively aware of social injustices, often used to call out racism.

Example Sentence: He claims to be woke about racism in America.