Lesson 2: What is racism?

This is generally the most common understanding of racism. Individual (interpersonal) racism occurs between individuals. This includes public expressions of racism or prejudice towards or between individuals, such as slurs, hate, bias, and/or bigotry. While individual (interpersonal) racism is a key component of racism, racism occurs at many other levels.

Example: I don't think he can afford this. Those people aren't responsible with money. 

Representations, messages, and stories that convey “whiteness” as ‘better’ or ‘more advanced. Sociocultural racism often conveys a preference for white behaviours or values over those of other racially defined groups. This is evident in a lack of diverse representation in mainstream media (television, print). White culture, norms and values become the default or preferred standard that other cultures, groups, and individuals are measured against. 

Example: A lack of representation in media by people of colour. 

Institutional laws, policies and practices that benefit white people and negatively affect people of colour. Institutional racism differs from individual (interpersonal) racism as it affects groups of people, rather than individuals. This can be seen in random airport security checks, which disproportionately target people of colour. 

Example: Policies that explicitly restrict the ability of Black people to get loans and purchase homes in white neighbourhoods (known as redlining).

Systemic racism can be the most difficult type of racism to identify. It is pervasive and subtle and can be unintentional. Systemic racism is embedded in societal and institutional policies. It can also be found in regulations, legislation and ideologies that perpetuate racial disadvantage. 

Example: Proportion of Black and Indigenous people in the prison system.