WHAT IS RACISM?

Racism is the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to

another, that a person’s social and moral traits are predetermined by his
or her inborn biological characteristics. Racial separatism is the belief,
most of the time based on racism, that different races should remain
segregated and apart from one another.
Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as
the hatred of one person by another — or the belief that another person
is less than human — because of skin color, language, customs, place of
birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that
person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and
legal codes.
Racism, also called racialism, any action, practice, or belief that reflects
the racial worldview—the ideology that humans may be divided into
separate and exclusive biological entities called “races”; that there is a
causal link between inherited physical traits and traits of personality,
intellect, morality, and other cultural and behavioral features; and that
some races are innately superior to others. Since the late 20th century the
notion of biological race has been recognized as a cultural invention,
entirely without scientific basis.
RACISM vs DISCRIMINATION

Racism is the belief that personality, behavior and morals can be traced
back to race, and the belief that one race is superior to another. Thinking
that Asian people are better at math is racist. You are attributing
qualities to another person based solely on their race. Thinking that
black people are more violent or more likely to steal is racist. Up to now,
we are only talking about thoughts. In the case of discrimination, the
issue becomes one of acting on racist thoughts.
Discrimination has senses with neutral, positive, and negative
connotations. On the one hand, it can refer to "the act (or power) of
distinguishing" or to "good taste, refinement." These meanings,
sometimes reinforced with modifiers (as in a fine or a nice
discrimination), stress an ability to perceive differences as an index of
unusual intelligence. On the other hand, when the perception of
difference is marked by invidious distinction or hostility, the word
(often followed by against) takes on very negative overtones, as in the
senses "act of discriminating categorically rather than individually"
(discrimination against women, age discrimination) and "a prejudiced
outlook or course of action" (racial discrimination). The original,
neutral sense of discrimination, "the act of distinguishing," came into
English by the early 17th century, followed by the positive one
associated with superior discernment in the 18th
century. Discrimination in the "prejudice" sense has been in use since
the early 19th century, almost 200 years ago.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A RACIST

1. Condescending Attitude or Behavior

 Racists show condescending attitudes towards members of other races. For this reason
they often try to use even members of the race which they despise to attack members of
that race which cause them most offense. They believe that these other members of the
victimized race will collaborate because of the magnanimity which the racist is showing
in momentarily treating them as members of the "superior" race.

2. Lack of Impartiality
This is extremely common and affects practically all the racist's opinions and decision-
making. Its effects extend beyond the obvious areas like jobs, education and housing. Veneration
of great historical figures, membership of clubs and societies etc.

3. Failure to recognize impact of racism on to the victim

To believe that a victim of racism can be unaltered by racism. For example, when racists
examine apparent differences between members of different races or ethnic groups they
completely ignore all differences in circumstances and history which could have affected the
"inferior" race.

4. Antagonistic Sentiments
  When a person has antagonistic towards someone at first sight it is often related to skin
color. The only information that one normally has about someone on seeing them for the first
time is their skin color.

5. Latent hate
An exaggerated reaction to any misconduct from a person of the other race, where the
punishment is out of all proportion to the original wrong (real or perceived) and completely
ignores the provocation which could have led to the original "wrong". Also, no feeling of moral
debt to a racially "other" person for any favors he may have done.
Examples of Racist

1. Fetishizing Racist
Fetishizing Racists are creepily attracted to a particular race based on racial stereotypes.
Rather than looking at a potential partner as a human being, they look at him or her as an
exotic sexual object.

2. Colorblind Racist
Colorblind Racists believe that saying, “I don’t see color” is a good thing, when what
they’re really saying is: “I don’t see color because I don’t have to.” Colorblind Racists
have the privilege to ignore the everyday realities of racism which don’t affect them
directly. Acknowledging our differences isn’t inherently bad — it’s when we let those
differences divide us that “seeing color” becomes a problem.

3. Hipster Racist
Hipster Racists rock Native American headdresses, dream catcher tattoos, and bindis to
come off as spiritual or “edgy.” Hipster Racists often say or do blatantly racist things for
the sake of “irony,” and think that taking a few African American studies classes at their
liberal arts school means they couldn’t possibly ever be racially insensitive. Hipster
Racists will often make “aren’t white people just the worst?” jokes, as if they themselves
aren’t the worst. 

4. Apologetic Racist
Apologetic Racists are the type to do something blatantly racist, like use the n-word or
discriminate against employees for instance, and think that a simple “I’m sorry” will make it
all better. That is, of course, assuming they even bother to actually say, “I’m sorry” and not,
“I’m sorry that you’re offended.” Much like the Not All White People Racist, Apologetic
Racists love to guilt trip and gaslight. They think it’s the responsibility of people of color to
educate them and forgive them every time they make a misstep, rather than taking the
initiative to do better on their own. 

5. “But I have a black friend” Racist

The “But I have a black friend!” line has become a crude cliché, but some oblivious
people still use it as an excuse whenever they get called out for racist behavior.
 

HOW TO FIGHT RACISM?

It seems we can’t move for comments about race dominating our
media landscape, be it about an actor formerly known as a
princess, or by an actor previously unknown to anyone outside of
his famous acting dynasty. These are fractious times, and such
debates appear to be increasing in frequency. But there are some
fights for which you can arm yourself in advance – and when the
argument is about race, the weapon of choice is science.
How to fight racism alone:
1. Learn to recognize and understand your own privilege
2. Fight back with your knowledge
3. Stand up for yourself
4. Be prepared to speak out
5. Know you’re not the one with the problem

How to fight racism at school:

1. Validate the experiences and feeling of the people of color
2. Report offenses
3. Ask your teacher to teach about racism
4. Celebrate multicultural history at school
5. Educate ourselves