Introduction To Racism

2146 Words9 Pages
1. What is Racism? Generally racism is the belief that a race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others, it is also discrimination or prejudice based on race. This general definition is narrow in the sense that it concentrate only on the colour of certain person or group of persons, however racism goes beyond colour on the legal point of view. Therefore racism can be explain broadly as the hatred of one person by another under an incorrect assumption that other person is less human, because of skin color, language, customs and place of birth and other factors which are used to reveal the nature of the person discriminated. The latter definition is wider to cover deference aspects…show more content…
Firstly individual racism takes place among individuals and on an interpersonal level. Racist comments are well known as an example of interpersonal racism. Individual racism is more connected to socio-economic histories and processes, is supported and reinforced by the systemic racism. Xenophobia is another example of individual racism which is based on dislike against people from other countries. Individual racism is about personal opinion, personal ideology based on unfound assumptions. Another form of racism is systemic racism, is the product of policies and practices entrenched in established institutions, which tends to exclude or promote certain group of persons. This kind of racism can be implanted in organisations and institutions through polices, practices and procedures. Systematic racism defers from individual racism in the since systematic can sometimes be justifiable, provided that the correct procedure is followed, the good example is Affirmative…show more content…
The current constitution deviated from the parliament sovereignty and followed Constitution supremacy. Section 2 of the constitution provides that “This constitution is the supreme law of the Republic; law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled”. The constitution further provides that in section 9 “everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law”. This is the most impotent section which is totally against in equal treatment, for instance the courts when exercising its power. Previously white would get preference until the constitution came into operation. This section does not only deal with race, but section 9(3) “ state may not unfairly discriminate directly or directly against anyone in one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic, or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth”. Therefore the constitution prohibit direct discrimination in terms of listed grounds and indirect discrimination in terms of unlisted grounds, if discrimination purport to infringe ones right or treat him or her

More about Introduction To Racism

Open Document