Definition

1. Noun:
   • Discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race: The unfair treatment, prejudice, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.
   • The belief that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races: The doctrine or belief that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new policy was widely condemned as a form of institutional racism.
  • His comments were rooted in ignorance and racism.
  • Fighting racism requires education and systemic change.

Advanced Usage

• "Systemic/Institutional racism": Refers to policies and practices embedded in societal institutions that perpetuate racial inequality.
  • The report highlighted the effects of systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
• "Internalized racism": When individuals from marginalized racial groups accept negative societal beliefs and stereotypes about their own group.
  • Therapy can help address the damage caused by internalized racism.

Variants and Related Words

• Racist (noun): A person who shows or feels discrimination or prejudice against people of other races.
  • He was labeled a racist for his offensive remarks.
• Racist (adjective): Characterized by or showing racism.
  • The racist policies of the past have had long-lasting effects.
• Racialism (noun): A less common synonym for racism, or sometimes used to denote a belief in the importance of racial distinctions.
• Anti-racism (noun): The policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance.
  • The organization is dedicated to anti-racism education.

Synonyms

• Racial discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race.
• Xenophobia: Dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries (can overlap with racism).
• Bigotry: Intolerance toward those who hold different opinions or belong to different groups (broader than racism).
• Prejudice: Preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience (can be applied to race).

Related Phrases

• "To combat/fight racism": To actively work against racist beliefs and systems.
  • We must all work together to combat racism.
• "A victim of racism": Someone who has suffered discrimination or abuse due to their race.
  • She shared her story as a victim of racism in the workplace.
• "To be accused of racism": To be charged with holding or acting on racist beliefs.
  • The politician was accused of racism after his controversial speech.

Related Idioms

• "A racist undertone": A subtly present quality of racism in speech, writing, or action.
  • The advertisement was criticized for having a racist undertone.
• "Institutionalized racism": Often used interchangeably with "systemic racism," describing racism that is established as normal within an organization or society.
  • The activists focused on dismantling institutionalized racism.

Noun

1. discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
2. the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races