Page 6 - Anti-Racism Pocketbook for Schools and Academies
P. 6
Defining and Understanding Racism
Racism is defined as, "prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism
directed against someone of a different race based on the belief
that one’s own race is superior.”
Racism can include abuse and/or direct hatred towards someone
due to their colour, ethnicity, or national origin.
It can occur in many ways and can harm a diverse range of people
but specifically anyone with an ethnically diverse background.
Racism can take the form of micro-aggressions and Subtle Acts of
Exclusion (SAEs). These two terms include racial attitudes, jokes,
and `compliments’.
At an organisational level, racism can be shown through the
negative treatment and barriers to professional development of
ethnically diverse individuals.
Like other forms of oppression, racism comes from a place of
power. Individuals in the workplace can determine who receives
jobs, promotions, career development opportunities, and other
work-related factors.
The first step to understanding racism is simple: educate yourself.
It is important for employers to take a firm proactive stance
against racism.
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