Racism — we’ve all heard the word before, but it involves more than you might think. Racism isn’t just about shouting slurs at people on the street, but is a system deeply ingrained in our society that has a lot to do with power. 

To understand racism, first we need to understand the term ‘race’. Race is a social construct designed to divide people into groups ranked as superior and inferior. Scientists tell us that race actually has no biological basis, however, it continues to have a huge impact on people’s lived experiences.

 In our society, racial categories like ‘Black’ and ‘Asian’ are fabricated to classify people, and to justify systems of power, privilege, and oppression. Learn more about why race is a social construction here, and check out this video about the myth of race. 

This idea of race has led us to hold racial prejudices, where members of some races are made to be viewed negatively. Why? Because it benefits the group with the most power. 

In our society, we are conditioned to hold stereotypes and biases about particular racial groups to the point where it can happen unconsciously (or without us even realising). This is called unconscious bias, and shows just how powerful the system of racism is. 

This brings us to define ‘racism’ — racism is a political or social system founded on racial prejudice, which allows one group to carry out systemic discrimination against others to their own advantage. 

Racism isn’t just about the individual, but is a powerful force embedded in our language, behaviours, and institutions. Racism has shaped unequal power relations throughout history, and continues to foster injustice at our schools, workplaces, and everyday lives. 

Check out this video, which explains what racism is and how it affects us. 

Racism can occur on many different levels, from broader society to the individual. 

Here are some different types of racism:

Institutional racism (also known as ‘systemic racism’)

Forms of racism that are built into political and social institutions, like the police, schools, media, and the government. In the context of so-called Australia, it is a network of structures, policies, and practices that creates advantages for white people while systematically marginalising others, especially First Nations folk.

For example, inquiries have found that racism is prevalent in the police force, which disproportionately targets First Nations folk. In our criminal justice system, more than 500 First Nations people have died in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. This is a clear example of institutional racism. 

Institutional racism can be difficult to recognise as it is normalised by our institutions and governments, and white people in positions of power are often in denial about it. That’s why it’s so important to acknowledge that institutional racism exists, and actively work towards dismantling these structures.

Racial discrimination 

When someone treats you differently based on your race, skin colour, or where you were born. Racial discrimination can be direct or indirect in nature. Examples of direct racism include being called an offensive slur or not getting a job on the basis of your cultural background. 

An example of indirect racism is making a rule that students can’t wear anything on their heads, which discriminates against students whose religion requires them to wear headwear. A 2017 survey found that one third of students in Australian schools experience racist discrimination.  

Microaggressions

Everyday racial discrimination that makes people feel othered, and is often disguised as compliments. For instance, People of Colour often get asked “Where are you really from?” or are complimented for “speaking really good English”. 

Microaggressions can be intentional or unintentional. They tend to be subtle, but it’s important to acknowledge that they can have a big impact when they accumulate. Imagine if you were constantly told you speak good English or asked where you’re from, when you were born and raised in Australia your whole life. It would really start to build up a sense of frustration and alienation, right? 

Internalised racism 

When people from marginalised groups believe, act on, or enforce stereotypes and other racist ideas about themselves and members of their own racial group. This is one of the most insidious forms of racism, as it is actually imposed on ourselves, by ourselves. For example, a Person of Colour might be led to despise their own cultural background, and do everything in their power to become as white as possible and only have white friends. 

Do any of these examples sound familiar? Unfortunately, for some of us racism is embedded in our day-to-day lives. Remember that if you’re being discriminated against on the basis of your race, it’s not your fault — it’s the perpetrators, and they may even be doing something unlawful. 

Responding to racism 

Encountering racism is often a distressing and traumatic experience. It’s normal to feel hurt, upset, and confused. If someone says something racist to you, or you feel like you are being subject to institutional racism, remember that it’s not your fault. As we’ve unpacked in this article, race is a myth that has been made up by the powerful people in society (mainly white people) to try gain more control and power. 

Remember that your cultural background is an important part of your identity, and no one can take that away from you. It is something to celebrate and be proud of, and anyone who doesn’t appreciate it doesn’t deserve your time and attention. 

It can be difficult to know what to say or how to respond in the moment when you’re experiencing racism. We recommend checking out this page on ReachOut, which offers some steps you can take if you’re experiencing racism. If the situation is becoming serious, you can always report it by making a formal and confidential complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission. 

It can also be a good idea to talk to a trusted person like a friend, family member, or school counsellor, or seek free and confidential support from a service like Lifeline or Kids Helpline. 

What next? 

Learning about racism and how much power it has in our society can be an overwhelming and upsetting experience. But remember that there are steps we can take to fight back and work towards eliminating it — check out our article on being an anti-racist to learn more! 

You can also read up on colonialism and white privilege to gain a deeper understanding of racism, and check out our glossary on racism to get back to basics. 

We highly recommend checking out the Australian High School Anti-Racism Kit, which is a great resource made by and for high school students. It includes a great list of antiracism resources for further reading.