Language matters and can be a useful tool in creating change. Building confidence in using key terms related to race, racism and anti-racism can support your work going forward.
Here are some definitions to get started:
Race – “Race is a social construct (i.e. man-made invention) based on skin colour and facial features (shape of eyes, nose, lips, hair texture, etc.). Even if it isn’t biologically “real”, its impact on people is very much a reality. Race is a system of social categorisation which advantages certain groups of people and disadvantages other groups of people.” (Definition from the Anti-Racist Educator’s Glossary).
Racism – “Racism is different from racial prejudice, hatred, or discrimination. Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of the society and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices.” (Definition from Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks) online here).
We recommend considering the Anti-Racist Educator’s definition of racism online here, along with its definition of prejudice online here.
White supremacy – “…While most people associate white supremacy with extremist groups…white supremacy is ever present in our institutional and cultural assumptions that assign value, morality, goodness, and humanity to the white group while casting people and communities of color as worthless (worth less), immoral, bad, and inhuman and “undeserving.” Drawing from critical race theory, the term “white supremacy” also refers to a political or socio-economic system where white people enjoy structural advantage and rights that other racial and ethnic groups do not, both at a collective and an individual level.” (Definition from Racial Equity Tools)
In the following exercises we will continue to consider terms, concepts and definitions relevant to anti-racism. We will explore some of the work happening across sectors to address issues of racism, language and terminology.
You can find more terms, concepts and definitions to support your work in the following document.