Racist

Racist can function as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a person who believes in the superiority or inferiority of races or who endorses racial discrimination. As an adjective, it describes beliefs, statements, policies, or actions that demean people on the basis of race or that presume racial differences justify unequal treatment. A racist viewpoint treats race as the defining factor in personhood or social value.

Etymology and scope: The term derives from race and the suffix -ist. The concept has roots in historical racial classifications that linked biology to social hierarchy, many of which were later discredited. In modern usage, racism encompasses not only personal prejudice but also organized systems and structures that produce unequal outcomes.

Forms and mechanisms: Overt racism involves explicit prejudice, insults, or discrimination. Implicit racism refers to unconscious biases that influence attitudes and actions. Institutional or systemic racism describes policies, practices, and norms within institutions that produce disparities in areas such as employment, education, housing, and criminal justice.

Consequences and responses: Racism can cause social division, harm individuals’ health and well-being, and limit opportunities. Societal responses include anti-discrimination laws, policies to promote equal access, education about bias, and movements aiming to reduce racial inequities. Discussions about racism often focus on distinguishing critique of ideas from denigration of people and on policies that promote inclusion and fairness.