What is racism?
Racism is an idea that has existed for a long time. There are different ethnical groups in the world. The idea behind racism is that there are different human races, where some races are better and smarter than others.
From ethnicity to culture
Before World War II, many researchers believed that there were differences in genes that made people different. After World War II, racism was connected to culture. It was based on the idea that some cultures are better than others, for example that some people are more violent because of their culture or because they don’t have the right skin color.
Racism = discrimination
Racism is about people’s opinions about others. People judge others based on their race, and this happens everywhere: in schools, workplaces and on social media.
Racism and discrimination of minorities
Minorities have faced many forms of racism. In the United States and South Africa, dark-skinned people have been used as slaves. They have been separated from the rest of the community. This is called segregation.
In the 1960s, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) harassed and murdered African Americans in the United States.
⬅ Illustration of the Ku Klux Klan and their disguises.
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Doll test
Say something!
If you experience racism, you need to speak up. No one should be judged based on their skin color, religion, or culture.
If it continues, tell the teacher or the principal. Remember that there are laws against discrimination.
