Ethnic Studies

Race

A classification based on the origins and physical characteristics of a person or group of people. It’s considered to be a social construct.

Racism

Prejudice and/or discrimination against someone that is based on their race or ethnicity. The belief that some racial groups are superior while others are inferior.

Overt racism

Intentionally harmful attitudes and behaviors towards a marginalized individual group because of the race or ethnicity.

Microaggression

brief comments/behaviors that communicate unintentional slides, or intentional insults towards members of marginalized groups. Perpetrators may be unaware of the offense.

Privilege

unearned advantages such as access to resources available to some people because of the social groups that they are members of. It is often invisible to those that have it.

intersectionality

The combination of individual aspects of identities that together shape how people are treated and what opportunities they have

Oppression

when a dominant group knowingly or unknowingly holds down a subordinate group which results in advantages for the dominant group at the expense of the subordinate group.

Colorism

different treatment based on skin tone within a racial or ethnic group, especially favoritism towards those with lighter skin and mistreatment of those with darker skin