Racism Meaning
/ˈɹeɪsɪzm̩/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe belief that there are distinct human races with inherent differences which determine their abilities, and generally that some are superior and others inferior.
nounThe policies, practices, or systems (e.g. government or political) promoting this belief or promoting the dominance of one or more races over others.
Sentence Examples
A favorite tool in dealing with blatant racism is blatant ableism.
Black Americans continued to suffer from racism.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The organization actively fights against ____ in all its forms, including prejudice.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The documentary explored the history of ____ in America and its lasting impact on society.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from French racisme, equivalent to race + -ism.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It is altogether inaccurate to suggest that Europe is being indoctrinated with Fascism or Racism."
— 1932 October 21, Sisley Huddleston, “Europe Painted in Fascist Colors”, in Christian Science Monitor, →ISSN, page 8:
"He lost his racism when he worked with a black man in Chicago. He lost his homophobia when he was befriended and looked after by his gay neighbors, a doctor and a nurse, in Little Rock."
— 2005, Bill Clinton, My Life, volume II, New York: Vintage Books, →ISBN, →OCLC, pages 45–46:
"But other kinds of talk and text that are not visible, so called covert racist discourse, may be just as important in reproducing the culturally shared ideas that underpin racism."
— 2011, Jane H. Hill, The Everyday Language of White Racism, →ISBN, page 1987:
"In part, the answer is that racism extends considerably beyond prejudiced beliefs. The essential feature of racism is not hostility or misperception, but rather the defense of a system from which advantage is derived on the basis of race. The manner in which the defense is articulated – either with hostility or subtlety – is not nearly as important as the fact that it insures the continuation of a privileged relationship. Thus it is necessary to broaden the definition of racism beyond prejudice to include sentiments that in their consequence, if not in their intent, support the racial status quo."
— 1993 September 24, David T. Wellman, Portraits of White Racism, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, →ISBN, →OL, page 210:
"In “Crazy for This Democracy” (1945), Hurston critiques the US government's racism at home and abroad, including its silence on the anticolonial movements in Africa."
— 2013, Tyler T. Schmidt, Desegregating Desire, →ISBN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The organization actively fights against ____ in all its forms, including prejudice.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The documentary explored the history of ____ in America and its lasting impact on society.