Key Terms ~ Race and Racism
Source: Wijeysinghe, C. L., Griffin, P, and Love, B. (1997). Racism Curriculum
Design. In M. Adams, L. A. Bell, & P. Griffin (Eds.), Teaching for diversity and
social justice: A sourcebook (pp. 82-109). New York: Routledge.
Race
“A social construct that artificially divides people into distinct groups based on certain
characteristics such as physical appearance (particularly skin color) ancestral heritage,
cultural affiliation, cultural history, ethnic classification...Racial categories subsume
ethnic groups.” (p. 88)
Ethnicity
“A social construct that artificially divides people into smaller social groups based on
characteristics such as shared sense of group membership, values, behavioral patterns,
language, political and economic interests, history, and ancestral geographical base.” (p.
88)
Racism
“The systemic subordination of members of targeted racial groups who have relatively
little social power in the United States (Blacks, Latino/as, Native Americans, and
Asians), by the members of the agent racial group who have relatively more social power
(Whites). This subordination is supported by the actions of individuals, cultural norms
and values, and the institutional structures and practices of society.” (p. 88-89)
Individual Racism
“The beliefs, attitudes, and actions of individual that support or perpetuate racism.
Individual racism can occur at both an unconscious and conscious level, and can be both
active and passive. Examples include telling a racist joke, using a racial epithet, or
believing in the inherent superiority of Whites.” (p. 89)
Active Racism
“Actions which have as their stated or explicit goal the maintenance of the system of
racism and the oppression of those in targeted racial groups. People who participate in
active racism advocate the continual subjugation of members of the targeted racial groups
and protection of ‘the rights’ of members of the agent group. These goals are often
supported by a belief in the inferiority of People of Color and the superiority of white
people, culture and values.” (p. 89)