racism

Definition

Racism is a belief system or social practice that asserts the superiority of one race over others, leading to discrimination and prejudice based on racial characteristics. It encompasses both individual behaviors and institutional policies that perpetuate unequal treatment and opportunities.

Analogy

Imagine a race where runners are given different quality shoes based on their team's color; some get professional running shoes while others must wear flip-flops. This uneven distribution not only impacts the fairness of the race but also determines the outcome from the start, similar to how racism affects people's life chances based on their racial background.

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