Unpacking the Complexities of Racism: Why Strict Actions Aren't Enough
Racism is the belief that one race is superior to another and that this superiority justifies discrimination against members of other races. It is a form of bigotry and prejudice, and it can have a profound impact on the lives of those who are targeted by it. Racism can take many forms, including individual acts of prejudice and discrimination, as well as institutionalized racism, which is embedded in the policies and practices of institutions such as the police, the courts, and the education system. Racism can also manifest itself in more subtle ways, such as through microaggressions, which are brief and commonplace verbal or behavioral indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes toward stigmatized or culturally marginalized groups. Microaggressions can take many forms, such as asking a person of color where they are "really" from, or telling a Black woman that she has "nice hair." While ...