Social Justice

Question 1

Race definition

Answer 1

Race:
- a socially constructed phenomenon, based on the erroneous (wrong) assumption that physical differences such as skin colour, hair colour and texture, and facial [or other physical] features are related to intellectual, moral, or cultural superiority.

• The concept of race has no basis in biological reality and, as such, has no meaning independent of its social definitions

Question 2

Racism defintion

Answer 2

Racism:
- Racism refers not only to social attitudes towards non-dominant ethnic and racial groups but also to social structures and actions which oppress, exclude, limit and discriminate against such individuals and groups.

• Racist social attitudes originate in and rationalize discriminatory treatment.
• Racism in the larger society can be seen in discriminatory laws, residential segregation, poor health care, inferior education, unequal economic opportunity and the exclusion and distortion of the perspectives of non- dominant Canadians in cultural institutions

Question 3

How are race and racism different?

Answer 3

DISCUSSION WAS SKIPPED

Question 4

Systematic racism

Answer 4

Systemic racism:
- racism that consists of policies and practices, entrenched in established institutions, that result in the exclusion or advancement of specific groups and manifests in two ways:

structural racism and institutional racism. It differs from overt discrimination in that no individual intent is necessary.

Question 5

Structural racism

Answer 5

Structural Racism:
- Inequalities rooted in the system-wide operation of a society that excludes substantial numbers of members of particular groups from significant participation in major social institutions.

• Example = Laws that prevented black people buying property in certain parts of cities.

Question 6

Institutional racism

Answer 6

Institutional Racism:
- Discriminatory treatment, prejudice, and priviledge embedded in an organization’s policies, practices, and programs in a way that, with or without intent, perpetuates oppression.

• Example = Police might be more likely to search the vehicle of a black man. Indian residential school system in Canada, 1885 Head Tax in Canada, and the 1923 Exclusion Act in Canada

Question 7

How are structural and institutional racism different?

Answer 7

DISCUSSION WAS SKIPPED

Question 8

Internalized/individual racism

Answer 8

Internalized or individual racism:
- the type of racism that lies within individuals.

• This type of racism comprises our private beliefs and biases about race and racism, influenced by our culture.
• This can take many different forms including: prejudice towards others of a different race; internalized oppression—the negative beliefs about oneself by people of color; or internalized privilege—beliefs about superiority or entitlement by white people.