RACISM

racism, racialism, racial discrimination

(noun) discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race

racism

(noun) the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

racism (usually uncountable, plural racisms)

Belief that there are distinct human races with inherent differences which determine their abilities, and generally that some are superior and others inferior.

The policies, practices, or systems (e.g. government or political) promoting this belief or promoting the dominance of one or more races over others.

Prejudice or discrimination based upon race or ethnicity; (countable) an action of such discrimination.

Usage notes

• Usage has begun to shift in the 21st century to particularly focus on structural power dynamics that underlie racist institutions and policies rather than personal prejudices.

• Some speakers use the term racism loosely to refer to prejudice or discrimination based not upon race but upon other factors; this is nonstandard

• The term reverse racism has been used to denote personal racial prejudice by a group that is or has been oppressed/disempowered, against a more powerful group. Some argue that this distinction does not need to be made and advocate that this be called, simply, racism, while others argue that the term racism should not be used at all in such cases, as racism is distinguished from racial prejudice by being supported by institutions and social structures.

• For many speakers, the term racism implies conscious belief or behavior, but this is not always the case.