What is racism?

A general definition of the term “racism” is prejudice, oppression, hatred, or discrimination directed against someone on the belief that one’s own race is superior using the primary focal point to be power.

Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices by shaping societal and cultural beliefs and values that support those racist practices.

Overt vs Covert Racism Overt racism is very visible and obvious such as racial slurs and voicing prejudice against BIPOC. Covert racism is subtle, such as skipping over a job application because the applicant's name makes you uncomfortable.

When someone states, "Racism doesn't exist" they are communicating that they have experienced the privilege of not being impacted personally by racism and are unable to relate to other people who ARE impacted by racism.