Definition of Racism

What is racism?
The holding of derogatory social attitudes or cognitive beliefs towards members of a particular group on the account of their membership to that group
What is racism?
The ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) defines racism as follows:
"Any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, on equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, or any other field of public life."
Social function of prejudice & racism
Prejudice and racism may be a necessary means of creating scapegoats for individual or groups that feel threatened
It may be due to socialization (e.g. authoritarian personality)
It may be the animal instinct of territoriality and feral restraint.
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