Final answer:
Racism is an assault on the mind, creating a damaging environment that can lead to an internalized inferiority complex in those targeted by it.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the statement, if racism is a shortcoming of the heart, the impact it has on the mind is an assault. This concept is supported by the idea that racism, especially when supported by social and political institutions, has the power to damage the psyche and create a harmful environment for those who are targeted by it. Experiencing racism can instigate feelings of inferiority and stress, which negatively affect mental health and the ability to thrive. It is neither empowering nor nurturing; the internalized superiority complex imposed by the powerful can cause an internalized inferiority complex in those without power. These dynamics do not typically enlighten or empower the victims of racism but rather perpetuate a system where the powerful inflict ongoing pain and anguish onto the powerless.