Final answer:
The subordination of any person or group due to a physically distinctive characteristic, such as skin color, is defined as racism, which is a belief in racial superiority and a form of discrimination affecting various societal domains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subordination of any person or group because of some physically distinctive characteristic refers to racism. Racism is a form of discrimination that involves treating individuals differently and often unfairly because of their race.
This can include beliefs in the superiority or inferiority of races, prejudice, and discriminatory actions in various spheres of society, such as the labor market, housing, education, and beyond. Systemic racism refers to structures and systems that create and maintain racial inequality, often as a result of historical practices and cultural beliefs.
Specific examples of racism include believing in the superiority of one race over another, racial profiling by law enforcement, institutional policies that disadvantage racial minorities, and cultural biases that are deep-seated in society.
Colorism is a nuanced form of racism that discriminates against individuals within the same racial group based on the lightness or darkness of their skin tone.