racism

The word "racism" is a noun. This word refers to a person’s beliefs of human superiority or inferiority based on ethnic background, skin color, or national identity. Racism is widely believed to be a problem, wherever it may exist. Very few people believe that racism is a good thing that should be supported or promoted.

• Most schools in the United States do not tolerate racism.
• To believe that a person has particular strengths or weaknesses based solely on skin color is a good example of racism.
• The institution of slavery lasted for hundreds of years in the American South. Slavery lasted for so long primarily because of racism.
• To believe that people are worth less or should be valued more because of where they are from or what they look like is racism.
• Racism is prevalent in countries all over the world.
• A majority of Americans reject racism, but a significant minority of Americans clearly support it.

The word "racist" is an adjective:

• He’s clearly a racist. (clearly = obviously)
• He has racist beliefs.
• Racist beliefs come from a culture in which a person is raised.
• Racists try to pass their beliefs on to their children.
• The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a national organization based in the United States. People who belong to the KKK admit that they are racists.

Members of the Ku Klux Klan admit to racist beliefs.

Click here for more vocabulary.

July 18, 2019