Racism

/ˈreɪsɪzəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.

Racism can manifest in both blatant and subtle ways in everyday life.

The belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities that can be used to discriminate against people.

The study explored how systemic racism affects educational opportunities for minority students.

A system of advantage based on race, often supported by institutional policies and practices.

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.

Racism disguised as cultural critique.

Some people use 'cultural appropriation' as slang for racism.

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

He claims to be woke about racism in America.