Main Difference – Racism vs Discrimination
Racism and discrimination are two interrelated concepts. However, it is important to know the difference between racism and discrimination more clearly in order to understand the concepts of racism and discrimination more clearly. Racism is the belief that race has an effect on human abilities and traits and that a particular race is superior to other. Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. This is the key difference between racism and discrimination.
This article explains,
1. What is Racism?
– Definition, Features, Characteristics, Consequences
2. What is Discrimination?
– Definition, Features, Characteristics, Consequences
3. What is the difference between Racism and Discrimination?
What is Racism
Racism is the belief that race has an effect on human abilities and traits and that a particular race is superior to other. It can also refer to the discrimination or prejudice based on this concept of superiority. In other words, racism is the discrimination of and prejudice towards one person by another based on the belief that one race is superior over the other. This superiority of one race over another is measured by factors such as skin color, customs, traditions, language, place of birth or any other factor that allegedly indicates the basic nature of individuals.
The concept of racism has existed throughout the history of the mankind and has resulted in many catastrophes. During the past five hundred years, racism on the part of Westerners toward non-Westerners has had a far more momentous impact on history than any other form of racism. The most infamous example of racism in the western world is slavery, particularly the use of Africans in the Americas. Slavery was fuelled by the racist belief that Africans were inferior to white Europeans. Racism can also cause adverse actions such as segregation, otherness, hierarchical ranking, xenophobia, and other related social phenomena.
Scientific Racism
What is Discrimination
Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of an individual or group of people on the basis of their social identity, which is composed of factors like race, gender, age, sexual orientation, education, marital status, family background, etc. Discriminating someone means treating him or her unfairly based on these factors. People with different mental and physical disabilities also find themselves a target of discrimination.
Discrimination is a result of prejudice – it is when people think that someone is different and inferior, that they start treating them differently, more often unfairly. Rejection and exclusion are two of the key elements of discrimination.
Discrimination may take many forms. For example, in many countries, certain professions like driving, and construction work are reserved for men, whereas professions like kindergarten teaching, nursing are dominated by women.
As mentioned in the first section, race is a major factor that can create discrimination. Racial segregation in the United States up to the mid-twentieth century is an example of discrimination based on race.
However, many countries have laws and regulations against discrimination to protect the citizens from the adverse effects of discrimination.
Difference Between Racism and Discrimination
Definition
Racism is the belief that race has an effect on human abilities and traits and that a particular race is superior to other.
Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
Factors
Racism is based on the differences between skin color, customs, traditions, language, place of birth, etc.
Discrimination is based on differences in age, gender, race, abilities, sexual orientation, education, marital status, family background.
Connection between Racism and Discrimination
Racism can lead to discrimination or prejudice based on race.
Discrimination can be caused by racism.
Results
Racism leads to discrimination and prejudice.
Discrimination leads to rejection and exclusion of a certain group of people.
Negative Impacts
Racism has caused many adverse effects such as slavery, wars, and xenophobia.
Discrimination can lead to bullying, racial segregation, and other unfair practices.
Image Courtesy:
“Races and skulls” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“1943 Colored Waiting Room Sign” By Esther Bubley – from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division – digital ID cph.3b22541.(Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
