Just out of curiosity and because I think it would be helpful, could I get some definitions for racism?
My own definition of racism is treating people differently because of their race or the color of their skin.
Just off the top of my head, I would say that racism has more to do with thought than action, in order to differentiate it from discrimination. That being said, the usual sign of racism, since we can't read minds, is to look at actions, which includes discrimination.
From wikipedia:
Racism is the belief in the superiority of one race over another, which often results in discrimination and prejudice towards people based on their race or ethnicity. Today, the use of the term "racism" does not easily fall under a single definition.
Seems wikipedia is with me in that racism is a belief rather than actions, while discrimination and prejudice are actions.
The OED covers it's bases by connecting the cause and effect as one.
Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
OED stresses the connection under the assumption that one cannot exist without the other. It also takes the stance that simple belief in superiority must be accompanied by action, including antagonism.
Webster comes back to say that it is a belief, and clarifies that the belief in superiority must be believed to be both inherent and due to race.
a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
Wikipedia lists "Aspects" of racism, without a clear reference. It seems to be social scientific aspects. They include:
1. Aversive racism- "I just don't like you because you are different"
2. Overt racism- "I hate you"
3. Color blindness- "You did not get the job because we only hired the 3 best candidates, not because you were Japanese".
4. Cultural- "We don't like you because you are not in our group"
5. Economic- "You're poor because we don't like you"
6. Institutional- "You're not receiving police protection because we don't like you"
7. Etc Etc
Sorry I got tired of so many racisms. I imagine it's probably more tiring if you're on the receiving end. Some of these deal with discrimination, and some don't. Some are about thought, some are about action.
Personally, I thought Webster did the best job of defining, though it's food for thought to think of discrimination and prejudice as being inseparable and part of racism.
My personal belief:
Racism has three stratum. Soft racism is when someone subscribes to a generalization (correct or incorrect) that leads to a belief of general superiority of one race over another that is typically extended irregardless of individual merit.
Medium racism is when someone doesn't like you, simply because of what color you are or what ethnicity you are, often based on beliefs of general superiority of one race over another. This belief is typically not translated into any type of discriminatory action, but does inform non discriminatory action and political action that is non punitive or exclusionary.
Hard racism is when you really hate someone based on their color or ethnicity. It is accompanied by discriminatory action and political action that can be both punitive or exclusionary, etc.
My view is that all of these things are bad things, but to different degrees. I believe that the only one that is illegal and should be illegal is hard racism, when it does not interfere with one's own freedoms. I believe that racism is a problem but less of a problem than general economic and geopolitical problems or even environmental problems. I believe that the solution to racism is the same as it has always been; exposure to other races, ethnicities, and general removal from racist culture.
We face new sources of racism today because of politics. The general right/left divide, and the war against racism and it's casualties, has created new sources of generalizations, and the application of unproportional punishment for racism is creating grievances as much as racism itself. I think that the way to fight racism and seek justice is to promote love and understanding, and if that is not achievable, then strict philosophy of non-harm.
Perhaps the most respected authority:
Racism is a philosophy based on a contempt for life. It is the arrogant assertion that one race is the center of value and object of devotion, before which other races must kneel in submission. It is the absurd dogma that one race is responsible for all the progress of history and alone can assure the progress of the future. Racism is total estrangement. It separates not only bodies, but minds and spirits. Inevitably it descends to inflicting spiritual and physical homicide upon the out-group.