What is Racism? Racism has existed throughout human history.
It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another -- or the belief that another person is less than human -- because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes. During the past 500-1000 years, racism on the part of Western powers toward non-Westerners has had a far more significant impact on history than any other form of racism (such as racism among Western groups or among Easterners, such as Asians, Africans, and others). Affirmative Action, Immigration & Welfare: Confronting Racism in 1998 by Paul Kivel / In Defense of Affirmative Action / In Motion Magazine. Affirmative Action, Immigration & Welfare: Confronting Racism in 1998 How white people can work for racial justice by Paul Kivel Oakland, California The following article is taken from a speech given at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas by Paul Kivel.
The article is based on his book Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice. I'd like you to imagine a pyramid. Racism Links for More Information. Racism. Author and Page information by Anup ShahThis Page Last Updated Sunday, August 08, 2010 Image © Understanding Race Racism is the belief that characteristics and abilities can be attributed to people simply on the basis of their race and that some racial groups are superior to others.
Racism and discrimination have been used as powerful weapons encouraging fear or hatred of others in times of conflict and war, and even during economic downturns. In a short introductory video the Understanding Race project from the American Anthropological Association says race is a powerful idea and an enduring concept, invented by society.