Racism is the belief that human beings can be divided into races and those members of other races are inferior to members of other races. These people who believe in racism are called racist. Mainly the majority population group against ethic minority groups has directed racism in most countries. These minorities have faced discrimination in areas such as housing, education, and employment.
Racism has existed since the beginning of history. The Greeks and Romans made slaves of people whom they considered inferior. Until the early 1900's the Chinese viewed most foreigners as barbarians. Racism is the dark side of American history that dates back to the 1600's to the 1800's where many white American's held blacks in slavery. In 1860's the 13th amendment was passed to abolish slavery, but segregation and discrimination continued. One of the first names that comes to mind when the word racism is said was Archie Bunker who was a actor on television back in the 80's that made racist comments and jokes about different ethical groups. .
The dictionary definition of racism is a belief that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others. Racism is a form of prejudice. Many people tend to consider their own appearance and behavior as normal and start stereotyping other groups who look or act different. Although no scientific proof supports racist claims, racism is most often used to justify the domination of one's racial group over another. Social scientists say that no two groups have exactly the same environment. As a result, many group differences are largely a result of different environments. Another word associated with racism to the extreme is genocide. The definition of genocide is the deliberate and systematic mistreatment or extermination of an entire people.