Although the term racism usually denotes race-based prejudice, violence, dislike, discrimination, or oppression, the term can also have varying and contested definitions. Racialism is a related term, sometimes intended to avoid these negative meanings. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, racism is a belief or ideology that all members of each racial group possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially to distinguish it as being either superior or inferior to another racial group or racial groups. Based on this evidence, “racial characteristics” logically cannot exist either, such as group differences in eye color or human hair color.
The Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines racism as a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority or inferiority of a particular racial group, and that it is also the prejudice based on such a belief. The Macquarie Dictionary defines racism as: “the belief that human races have distinctive characteristics which determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule or dominate others.”
The concept that discrimination can be based on “race” presupposes the existence of “race” itself. However, the US Government’s Human Genome Project has announced that the most complete mapping of human DNA to date indicates that there is no distinct genetic basis to racial types. Based on this evidence, “racial characteristics” logically cannot exist either, such as group differences in eye color or human hair color.
According to the Human Genome Project, skin color does exist as a matter of science. So, that which is commonly referred to as “racism” could be more scientifically referred to as “skin color-aroused discrimination”. The term “skin color aroused discrimination” has the benefit that it is based on verifiable science, is not based on disproved notions of science, and does not perpetuate a false belief in the disproved concept of biological “race”.
Despite scientific evidence debunking the notion of race as a biologically significant factor, societal constructs and historical contexts have perpetuated the concept of race. This perpetuation has led to deeply ingrained prejudices and systemic inequalities that persist in various forms across the globe. The persistence of these social constructs can be attributed to historical power dynamics, colonization, and the economic exploitation of certain racial groups, which have all contributed to entrenched societal hierarchies based on race.
Legal
The UN does not define “racism”, however it does define “racial discrimination”: according to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the term “racial discrimination” shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.
This definition does not make any difference between prosecutions based on ethnicity and race, in part because the distinction between the two remains debatable among anthropologists. According to British law, racial group means “any group of people who are defined by reference to their race, colour, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origin”.
Legal frameworks across various countries aim to address and mitigate racial discrimination, but the effectiveness of these laws often varies. In some regions, legal protections against racial discrimination are robust and actively enforced, while in others, they may be weak or inconsistently applied. This inconsistency highlights the importance of not only having laws in place but also ensuring their proper implementation and enforcement to protect individuals from racial injustices.
Sociological
Some sociologists have defined racism as a system of group privilege. In Portraits of White Racism, David Wellman has defined racism as “culturally sanctioned beliefs, which, regardless of intentions involved, defend the advantages whites have because of the subordinated position of racial minorities”. Sociologists Noël A. Cazenave and Darlene Alvarez Maddern define racism as “…a highly organized system of ‘race’-based group privilege that operates at every level of society and is held together by a sophisticated ideology of color/’race’ supremacy. Sellers and Shelton (2003) found that a relationship between racial discrimination and emotional distress was moderated by racial ideology and public regard beliefs. That is, racial centrality appears to promote the degree of discrimination African American young adults perceive whereas racial ideology may buffer the detrimental emotional effects of that discrimination. Racist systems include, but cannot be reduced to, racial bigotry”.
The sociological perspective on racism highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of racial discrimination. It emphasizes that racism is not just an individual attitude or behavior but a systemic issue embedded in societal structures and institutions. This systemic racism manifests in various domains, including education, employment, housing, and the criminal justice system, often resulting in significant disparities and inequities for marginalized racial groups.
Historical Context and Impact
Racism has deep historical roots that trace back to colonialism, slavery, and the imperialistic endeavors of powerful nations. These historical events established long-lasting power imbalances and hierarchies that favored certain racial groups over others. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly brought millions of Africans to the Americas, where they were subjected to inhumane treatment and exploitation. This historical atrocity has had enduring repercussions, contributing to systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities that persist to this day.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, was a pivotal response to systemic racism. This movement sought to dismantle segregation and discrimination through peaceful protests, legal challenges, and advocacy for equal rights. Despite significant progress, the legacy of racism continues to influence contemporary society, necessitating ongoing efforts to achieve true racial equality and justice.
Psychological Impact
The psychological impact of racism on individuals cannot be overstated. Racism can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The chronic stress associated with experiencing or witnessing racial discrimination can have long-term detrimental effects on an individual’s well-being. Research has shown that racial discrimination is linked to poorer health outcomes and increased mortality rates among affected populations.
Moreover, the internalization of racial stereotypes and prejudices can lead to a phenomenon known as stereotype threat, where individuals fear confirming negative stereotypes about their racial group. This fear can hinder performance in academic, professional, and social settings, further perpetuating the cycle of disadvantage and inequality.
Addressing Racism
Addressing racism requires a multifaceted approach that involves individual, societal, and institutional changes. Education plays a crucial role in combating racism by promoting awareness, empathy, and understanding of different cultures and experiences. Educational initiatives should aim to dismantle stereotypes, challenge prejudices, and encourage critical thinking about race and racism.
Institutionally, policies and practices must be scrutinized and reformed to ensure equity and inclusivity. This includes implementing affirmative action programs, promoting diversity in hiring and leadership positions, and addressing biases in areas such as law enforcement and the judiciary. Community-based interventions, such as dialogue forums and restorative justice practices, can also foster reconciliation and healing in racially divided communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while scientific advancements have debunked the biological basis of race, racism remains a pervasive and deeply ingrained issue in society. It manifests in various forms, from individual prejudices to systemic discrimination, and has profound legal, sociological, historical, and psychological implications. Addressing racism requires a comprehensive and sustained effort to promote equality, justice, and understanding. By acknowledging the complexities of racism and working towards systemic change, society can move closer to eradicating this harmful and unjust practice.