Race Key Words

Race

A classification system that assigns individuals and groups based on perceived/socially defined physical characteristics

One Drop Rule

Rule in which your racial identity, and legal status, was boiled down to if you had a “drop” of Black heritage.

Ethnicity

Identity that has to do with cultural practices.

Nationality

Identity related to a person's country of origin or citizenship.

Situational Ethnicity

Some people with multiracial ancestry may choose to make one aspect of their ethnicity known. This can occur when the situation leads to discrimination.

Symbolic Ethnicity

Occurs when members of an ethnic group assimilate into a larger culture might only participate in customs on symbolic occasions

Why would someone identify with one race/ethnicity more than the other?

• their percentage of the population

  • only one in the room vs the entire room

• their power in society

  • Natives vs Colonists

• relation to national identity

  • Korean in Texas vs Busan

• discrimination

  • Muslim women in France

Multiethnic Societies

Societies comprising numerous racial, religious, and cultural groups

Minority

Groups that face a systematic disadvantage on the basis of physical or cultural traits.

• nothing to do with actual numbers

Dominant

Automatically favored by the society’s institutions

• not necessarily the numerical majority

  • White people aren’t the majority of the US, but they hold all the power

Racism

The belief that one race is superior to another

• presumes differences are innate and not subject to change

Anti-Racism

Attempts to identify and do something bout racism

• active process, not passive

Prejudice

Preconceived opinions or attitudes held towards one group/person

Stereotype

Image of a racial or cultural group held without regard to whether it’s true or not

Discrimination

Actions towards another group that distribute rewards and benefits unequally

Colorism

Discrimination based on color

• lighter is better

• skin bleaching

Institutional Racim

Systematic discrimination ingrained in societal structures, policies, and institutions that disadvantages certain racial or ethnic groups.

Redlining

The practice of denying services or limiting access to housing in specific neighborhoods based on racial or ethnic composition, often resulting in segregation and inequality.

Critical Race Theory

Examination of how systemic racism influences legal and social structures.

Privilege

A set of unearned advantages granted to individuals based on their race, gender, or social class that can lead to greater opportunities and societal benefits.

Unpacking the Invisible Napsack

A concept introduced by Peggy McIntosh that explores how privilege operates in society, especially regarding race and gender. It highlights the unnoticed advantages that come with certain identities.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that convey negative messages toward marginalized groups.