Understanding Racism
Racism is the belief that one race is inherently superior to another, leading to discrimination and prejudice.
Forms of racism:
- Individual racism — Personal prejudice, slurs, discrimination
- Systemic racism — Policies and systems that create unequal outcomes
- Implicit bias — Unconscious assumptions based on race
- Microaggressions — Subtle insults or dismissals
No—acknowledging racial differences isn't racist. Using them to discriminate or stereotype is.
NOT racist: Recognizing that different racial groups have different experiences, cultures, or histories.
IS racist: Using race to determine someone's character, intelligence, or worth.
Yes. Anyone can hold racist beliefs or engage in discriminatory behavior.
Racism is about prejudice and discrimination based on race. While systemic racism often advantages certain groups, individual racism can come from anyone.
Systemic racism refers to policies and systems that create unequal outcomes by race—even without racist intent.
Examples: Redlining (historic), school funding tied to property taxes (creates wealth-based disparities), criminal justice disparities.
- Speak up if it's safe to do so
- Support the victim
- Report it to appropriate authorities
- Document what happened
💡 The Bottom Line
Racism has no place in America.
Judge people by their character and actions—not by the color of their skin. This isn't complicated. It's basic human decency.