Racial Justice Theology

Racism

A belief that one race is inherently superior to others, leading to discrimination and prejudice based on race.

Discrimination

Unjust treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, gender, age, or other characteristics.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion or judgment about an individual or group, often without sufficient knowledge.

Implicit Bias

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

Systemic Racism

Policies and practices entrenched in established institutions that perpetuate racial inequality.

Institutional Racism

Discriminatory practices within and by institutions that disadvantage people based on their race.

Microaggressions

Everyday, subtle, unintentional, and oftentimes dismissive interactions or behaviors that reinforce stereotypes or negative perceptions of marginalized groups.

White Privilege

Societal privileges that benefit white people over non-white people, often without the privilege-holder being aware of it.

Colorism

Discrimination based on skin color, often favoring lighter skin tones over darker ones within the same racial or ethnic group.

Xenophobia

Fear or hatred of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange, often directed at people from different countries or cultures.

Cultural Appropriation

The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without permission or understanding, and can perpetuate stereotypes or harm.

Racial Profiling

The practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity.

Affirmative Action

Policies designed to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups, often in education and employment.

Anti-Racism

Active opposition to racism and promotion of racial equity through advocacy, education, and policy change.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how various forms of inequality and discrimination (like race, gender, class) intersect and overlap.