What is racism anyway?

What is RACISM?

Racism is the belief that some races are superior to others, which leads to unfair treatment and discrimination. This harmful idea has changed over time, influenced by economic, social, and political factors that shaped human societies. To fully understand racism today, we must look at how it developed throughout history.

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Early Forms of Discrimination: Religion and Culture

In ancient times, discrimination was mostly based on religious and cultural differences rather than race as we define it today. Societies often mistreated or enslaved people from different religious or cultural backgrounds. For example, during the Middle Ages, Christians could enslaved non-Christians, and vice versa. The division was not about skin color or physical traits but about faith and cultural identity.

The Birth of Racial Categories: Age of Exploration

During the Age of Exploration, in the 15th and 16th centuries, the concept of race as a means of categorizing individuals started to develop. As European explorers traveled through Africa, Asia, and the Americas, they encountered individuals with different appearances and began categorizing them based on physical characteristics such as skin color. These classifications evolved throughout time, and they were used to justify unequal treatment.

Colonialism and the Institutionalization of Racism:

During the 17th century, European nations began to create colonies in the Americas. The transatlantic slave trade, in which millions of Africans responsively removed from their homes and sold as slaves, increased differences between races. To justify slavery and abuse of indigenous peoples, Europeans invented false beliefs that particular races were inferior. These beliefs we're not scientifically supported, what they were widely embraced in order to retain economic and political power.

Scientific Racism and the Eugenics Movement:

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, several scientists attempted to use biology in order to validate racism. The idea of eugenics falsely claimed that some pieces had better genes while others were weaker. These beliefs influenced laws that separated people, restricted immigration, and encouraged discrimination. Scientific racism made this false idea seem more official and acceptable, even though they were completely untrue.

Types of Racism

Internalized Racism

This occurs when individuals from marginalized racial groups adopt negative beliefs about their own race, often seeing themselves as inferior to the dominant group.

Example:

Rejecting their own cultural identity to conform to mainstream society.
Avoid socializing with their racial group, especially in the presence of white people.
Speaking negatively about race or justifying racist behaviors.
Feeling unworthy of dignity, respect, or equal opportunities.

Interpersonal Racism

This racism appens between individuals, either through direct discrimination, hate speech, or subtle biases like microaggressions.

Example:

Using racial slurs or making offensive jokes.
Assuming someone's skills or interests in based on their race (e.g. assuming all Black people are good dancers).
Asking a person of color where they “really” from, implying they don't belong.

Systemic Racism

A form of racism embedded in institutions and policies, creating long-term disadvantages for racial minorities while benefiting the dominant group.

Examples:

Unequal access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
Discriminatory laws and policies that favor white individuals.
Racial profiling in the justice system.

EFFECTS OF RACISM and coping mechanisms

Racism contributes to health disparities among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). It can affect both physical and mental health through stress, discrimination, inequities.

Physical Health Effects

Higher risks of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Increased inflammation, leading to chronic conditions.
Disparities in medical treatment and pain management.
Poorer sleep and immune system suppression.

Mental Health Effects

Higher rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts.
Fear of racism itself can harm resilience and motivation.
Discrimination increases stress, which can affect cognitive functions.

Effects in Different Age Group

In Adult

Studies link racism to both poor mental and physical health, with stress being a key contributor.
Racial biases in healthcare lead to undertreatment of Black patients' pain.
Chronic exposure to racism can increase risks of high blood pressure and other health conditions.

In Children and Young People

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights racism as a serious health threat.
Children who experience racism may develop PTSD, anxiety, grief, and depression.
Mothers who face racism are more likely to have low birth weight babies, affecting infant health.

Coping Strategies for Racism and Health

Talking about Racism.
Speaking about experiences can help process emotions, but for some, it may increase distress.
Therapy can help individuals navigate racial trauma.

Fostering a Strong Racial Identity

A positive racial identity is linked to higher self-esteem and lower depression rates.
Internalized racism can worsen mental health outcomes.

Seeking Support from Friends and Family

Having a strong support system can reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.

Seeking Support from Friends and Family

Having a strong support system can reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.

Racial Bias

Pew Center in 2021 conducted a survey and found that over 90% of people in South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan see racism as a major issue in the U.S., but only in South Korea did most acknowledge it as a serious problem in their own country. Still, issues like China's treatment of Uyghurs and increasing activism highlight that racism remains a significant concern across Asia.

In 2017, 5,060 victims were targeted in single-bias hate crimes based on race, ethnicity, or ancestry. The most affected group was Black/African Americans, followed by Whites and Hispanic/Latinos. Other racial and ethnic groups also faced significant discrimination.

Breakdown of Victim Percentages:

48.6% = Anti-Black/African American bias
17.1% = Anti-White bias
10.9% = Anti-Hispanic/Latino bias
6.3% = Anti-American Indian/Alaska Native bias
4.5% = Bias against multiple racial groups
3.3% = Anti-Asian bias
2.6% = Anti-Arab bias
0.4% = Anti-Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander bias

References

Bonnett A. (2022). Asia Has Its Own Strands of Racism. It’s Time to Take Them Seriously.

The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2022/06/asia-has-its-own-strands-of-racism-its-time-to-take-them-seriously/

Hate Crime Statistics. (2017). https://ucr.fbi.gov/hate-crime/2017/topic-pages/victims

Lewsley J. & Slater J. (2023). What are the effects of racism on health and mental health? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-racism#overview

Unite For Change. (2022). Types of Racism: Identifying and Addressing Racism In Its Many Forms. https://uniteforchange.com/en/blog/racism/types-of-racism-identifying-and-addressing-racism-in-its-many-forms/

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