Racism

Racism is discrimination and prejudice against people based on their race or ethnicity. Racism

can be present in social actions, practices, or political systems (e.g. apartheid) that support the

expression of prejudice or aversion in discriminatory practices.

The ideology underlying racist practices often assumes that humans can be subdivided into

distinct groups that are different in their social behavior and innate capacities and that can be

ranked as inferior or superior. Racist ideology can become manifest in many aspects of social

life. 

Racism in students.

• Ongoing feelings of sadness, anger, depression and being left out.

• Headaches, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling and muscle tension.

• A constant fear of being verbally or physically attacked.

• Not wanting to go to school.

These impacts can reduce people's ability to work or study, and to achieve their future goals.

Racism also affects people's general wellbeing when they are denied equal access to jobs,

services and education.

Racism causes negative psychological, social, educational and economic impacts throughout

the life span and contributes to mental health problems in the community.

Many psychologists are concerned at the racism apparent in public responses to current issues

such as terrorism, ‘border protection’ and incarceration rates.

Historically, the practice of racism held that members of low-status races should be limited to

low-status jobs or enslavement and be excluded from access to political power, economic

resources, and unrestricted civil rights. Members of low-status races could encounter

segregation, acts of physical violence, and in some places, racism dictated that it was

unnatural for members of different races to marry.