Racism Meaning
Racism Definition & Usage
The belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, and that some races are inherently superior to others.
Examples
- "His views on racial inequality were shaped by deep-rooted racism."
- "Racism has been a persistent issue in many societies throughout history."
- "In the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement sought to end institutionalized racism in the United States."
- "Racism can often manifest in subtle, everyday actions that marginalize certain groups."
- "Despite progress in many countries, racism continues to affect the lives of millions of people."
Discriminatory behavior or actions based on race, which can manifest in both overt and covert forms.
Examples
- "She faced racism at her workplace after being passed over for promotion solely because of her ethnicity."
- "The athlete was subjected to racism during the match, with fans making derogatory remarks about his race."
- "Racism in the hiring process can lead to fewer opportunities for people of color."
- "Many communities continue to struggle with racism in law enforcement practices."
- "The rise of hate crimes is often fueled by increasing racism in certain regions."
Cultural Context
Racism has been a prevalent issue throughout history, particularly in societies with a history of colonialism, slavery, and segregation. It has affected various racial and ethnic groups, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The civil rights movements across the globe, including the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, South Africa’s fight against apartheid, and global anti-colonial struggles, have all addressed systemic racism.
The Silent Divide
Story
The Silent Divide
In a small town, tension simmered beneath the surface, fueled by the quiet undercurrent of racism that many preferred to ignore. Sara, a young woman of Asian descent, had recently moved into a new neighborhood, hoping for a fresh start. But from the moment she set foot in the local coffee shop, she sensed something was off. The elderly couple at the counter avoided making eye contact with her, and the barista, a young man with a tired expression, handed her coffee without a word. At work, things weren’t much better. Although no one openly expressed any hostility, Sara couldn’t shake the feeling that her ideas were dismissed more often than her colleagues'. When she tried to raise an important issue during a meeting, the room seemed to grow tense, and the conversation quickly shifted away from her point. It wasn’t overt racism—no one called her any slurs or made direct insults—but the subtle snubs were there, in the way people didn’t make space for her. One day, she overheard a conversation between two co-workers, Jack and Emma. Jack was recounting an experience from his recent trip to a major city, mentioning how he felt uncomfortable when he saw a group of Black teenagers hanging out in the park. "It’s just a different vibe," he said, shrugging. "You know how it is. I’m not racist, but..." Sara couldn’t stay silent anymore. She approached him, her voice trembling. "I think what you just said was racist, Jack," she said. Jack looked taken aback, his face flushing red. "What do you mean? I didn’t say anything bad!" Sara calmly explained how the assumption that people from different races are inherently dangerous or different was a form of racism, even if it wasn’t said out loud. Jack, to his credit, listened. He didn’t fully understand, but he agreed to be more mindful. "I didn’t mean to offend you," he said quietly. As the days passed, Sara began to see change. It wasn’t dramatic, but the subtle shifts in behavior mattered. She knew that racism could be insidious, creeping into conversations and behaviors where it wasn’t immediately obvious, but she also knew that every conversation, every shift in perspective, mattered.
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