Definition of Racism, Other Terms
What is Racism, Prejudice, Discrimination, Bias, and Xenophobia?
Dec 7, 2007
Racism. Racialism. Prejudice. Discrimination. Racial Discrimination. Reverse Discrimination. Bias. Xenophobia.
Is the definition of racism really different from these related terms or do these words all describe the same thing? With so many words being used interchangeably when it comes to discussions on racism, it’s no wonder we find ourselves exhausted from circular discussions that prohibit coming to any level of agreement or mutual understanding.
And given that some terms—like racism—often evolve in meaning and may end up having multiple and significantly different definitions, it’s anyone’s guess if two people actually mean the same thing when they discuss racism and discrimination. Multiple terms with multiple definitions—it’s enough to make any intelligent person’s head spin.
Following is a synopsis of varying definitions of racism, prejudice, discrimination, racial discrimination, reverse discrimination, bias, and xenophobia. Knowing the terms, their varying definitions, and how you yourself choose to define them will enable you to ensure clarity when engaging in discussion on the issue of racism with others.
A Definition of Racism
The American Heritage Dictionary defines racism as follows:
- Discrimination or prejudice based on race
- The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others
While the first definition is broad and implies that any group can demonstrate racism against another, the second begins to narrow the focus, placing the definition within the context of history—pointing the finger, of course, at groups that have historically demonstrated beliefs in racial superiority (e.g. whites, certain Asian groups—e.g. Japanese).
Taking this idea one step further still, David Wellman, in his book Portraits of White Racism (1993), narrows the definition of racism even further when he says racism is "culturally sanctioned beliefs, which, regardless of intentions involved, defend the advantages whites have because of the subordinated position of racial minorities.” Advocates of Wellman’s definition argue that while whites can be "racist," other groups are "incapable of racism due to power difference."
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Racialism
The definition of Racialism introduces a slightly different nuance in that it refers to a belief in the existence and significance of racial categories, but not necessarily in a hierarchy between the races and accordingly, in any political or ideological position of racial supremacy. Racialists might argue that intelligence differs by race, but never take it further by suggesting that the more intelligent race is superior.
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Prejudice
The key distinction in the definition of Prejudice is in its reference to pre-judgment—e.g. deciding on a person’s qualities, characteristics and value on the basis of an arbitrary descriptor such as race, before knowing the facts. In general, prejudice refers to “any unreasonable attitude that is unusually resistant to rational influence.”
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Discrimination
Discrimination simply refers to the recognition of differences among people and making choices based upon those qualities, be they perceived or real.
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Racial Discrimination
According to UN International 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, color, 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." For example, based on this definition of racial discrimination, racial profiling by police would be considered racial discrimination.
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Reverse Discrimination
Reverse discrimination is meant to describe discriminatory policies or acts that benefit a socio-politically non-dominant group (e.g. women, blacks, etc.) at the expense of a socio-politically dominant group (e.g. men, whites). Most opponents of preferential or affirmative action policies, which are designed to counter past and present discrimination and support the upwards mobility of non-dominant groups use "reverse discrimination" in support of their arguments. Others argue, that "discrimination is discrimination" and the label "reverse" is, in truth, a misnomer.
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Bias
A bias is a prejudice or preference for one particular point of view or ideological perspective. A person is said to be biased if his judgment is influenced by the biases he holds, and his views are neither neutral nor objective, but subjective. Again, in this definition, the concept of preconceived ideas is important. An example of just how detrimental biases can be might be a judge who fails to weigh the facts of a case more strongly because his biases cause him to focus on the race of a defendant instead.
Racism and Related Terms: A Definition of Xenophobia
Xenophobia is a fear or contempt of those considered to be “foreigners” or “strangers”—anyone different from oneself. The target may be a group already present within a society, but not accepted as part of that society, or it can often refer to immigrants. Xenophobia is dangerous in that it has the potential to elicit hostile and violent reactions, such as mass expulsion of immigrants, or in the worst case, as we’ve seen in Nazi Germany and again in Darfur, in genocide.
