Tools for Inclusive & Antiracist Teaching and Learning-Racism: Some definitions for reflection

Pdf Summary

This document compiles various definitions and reflections on racism from prominent dictionaries, scholars, and authors to deepen understanding and encourage self-reflection on the topic.<br /><br />The Oxford Dictionary defines racism as prejudice or discrimination based on a belief in one’s racial superiority. Merriam-Webster expands this to include beliefs about inherent racial differences and systemic oppression where one racial group benefits over another socially, economically, and politically. <br /><br />Livingston (2021) explains racism as favorable evaluation or treatment based on race, manifesting either in thoughts or behaviors. Williams, Lawrence, and Davis (2019) frame racism as a social system where a dominant racial group ranks others as inferior and differentially allocates resources and power. They emphasize race as a social construct tied to differential access to societal power.<br /><br />Kendi (2020) distinguishes between racist policies—which sustain racial inequities—and antiracist policies—which promote racial equity. He argues there is no "race-neutral" policy because all policies influence equity or inequity. Anyone supporting racist policies or ideas, consciously or not, is a racist; similarly, an antiracist supports equitable policies and ideas.<br /><br />Brookfield and Hess (2021) stress that racism is a systemic structure upheld legally and culturally, learned through socialization, and embedded within institutions. They advocate for a lifelong commitment to being an antiracist by identifying, resisting, and dismantling systemic racism.<br /><br />Lastly, the document references McWhorter’s (2020) call for evolving the dictionary definition of racism to better reflect its complexities. Together, these sources highlight racism as both individual prejudice and systemic oppression, urging active efforts towards racial justice and equity.

Asset Subtitle

A two-page compilation by CPL of commonly embraced and emerging definitions of racism/racist and antiracism/antiracist.

Keywords

racism definitions

racial prejudice

systemic racism

racial superiority

racial equity

antiracist policies

racial discrimination

social construct of race

racial justice

systemic oppression