Racism

Definition

Racism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over another, leading to discrimination and prejudice based on a person's race or ethnicity.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪsɪzəm/
• Respelling: RAY-siz-əm (with "RAY" as in "ray," "siz" as in "size," and "əm" as in the unstressed "um" in "hum")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪsɪzəm/
• Respelling: RAY-siz-əm (similar to American English, with "RAY" as in "ray," "siz" as in "size," and "əm" as in the unstressed "um" in "hum")

In both dialects, "racism" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "RAY." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "RAY" part.

Etymology

The term "racism" originates from the French word "racisme" in the 1930s. The suffix "-ism" was added to the base word "race" to denote the systematic nature and ideology behind the discrimination based on race.

Derivatives

• Racist
• Racialism
• Racialist
• Racialize
• Racism-free

Synonyms

• Bigotry
• Prejudice
• Discrimination

Antonyms

• Tolerance
• Equality
• Fairness

Usage

"Racism" is a term widely used in social, political, cultural, and academic discussions. It highlights both individual biases as well as systemic structures that perpetuate racial disparities and injustices.

Related Terms

• Xenophobia
• Stereotype
• Ethnocentrism
• Racial profiling

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
• Example: Racism has deep roots in many societies, and combating it requires a collective effort.

• The systemic oppression and discrimination of certain racial groups by those in power, leading to disparities in areas such as education, employment, and housing.
• Example: Structural racism has caused vast inequities in economic and social domains.

• The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.
• Example: The stereotype, a byproduct of racism, falsely portrays certain communities as being predisposed to criminal behavior.