Final answer:
Racism refers to the belief in racial superiority and can manifest in individual prejudices and systemic power structures, impacting social institutions and leading to structural inequality. It involves discriminatory attitudes and behaviors towards individuals based on racial stereotypes and can have a historical context with both overt and subtle forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Racism is a form of discrimination that is based on the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others. This can manifest in biased attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and often involves systemic issues of power and privilege. For instance, institutional racism is when these beliefs and practices are embedded within social institutions, affecting groups on a larger scale. Additionally, while related, racism should not be confused with prejudice or discrimination; as it is specifically concerned with racial superiority and encompasses both attitudes and systems of power. Acts of racism can range from individual prejudices to structural inequality that restricts opportunities for certain racial groups. Some examples of racial stereotypes include the belief that Asian Americans are intelligent but emotionally detached, while Latinos might be stereotyped as hardworking but less intelligent. These stereotypes are harmful oversimplifications that do not consider individual differences and can lead to or justify unfair treatment or discrimination. In a historical context, overt forms of racism in the United States have included policies like Jim Crow laws, while subtler forms still perpetuate inequalities today, such as through colorism within racial groups or disparate educational and economic opportunities.