What is Racism?
Racism has been defined as treating someone differently or unfairly because of their religion, nationality, skin colour, race or religion. A racist incident is ‘any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person’ (Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report). Racism can take many different forms and can include: • Personal attacks of any kind, including violence • Written or verbal threats or insults • Damage to property, including graffiti • Inappropriate language Racism does not always have to be intentional; ignorance can often unwittingly cause offence, especially when stereotypes reinforce people’s views. Prejudice of any kind is usually based on ignorance and fear. Often people have opinions on things they know nothing about, and that includes on people, religions and cultures. It can also take place at a collective or organisational level – this is known as institutional racism.
