Mainstream dictionary definitions reduce racism to racial prejudice and the personal actions that result. But this definition does little to explain how racial hierarchies are consistently reproduced.
This quote highlights a crucial distinction in understanding racism. While individual acts of prejudice are visible, systemic racism operates through deeply ingrained social structures and norms that perpetuate inequality. By focusing solely on personal intent or prejudice, we risk neglecting the broader societal mechanisms that sustain racial hierarchies. Recognizing the systemic nature of racism calls for more comprehensive approaches to dismantling structural inequalities, beyond just changing individual attitudes. It reminds us that addressing racism requires acknowledging and challenging the institutional and cultural practices that uphold racial disparities.
