Defining racism
'Racism' in general terms consists of conduct or words or practices which advantage or disadvantage people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin. In its more subtle form it is as damaging as in its overt form. (Lawrence Report)
In society, racism takes many forms and while education cannot provide the complete answer, there are a number of significant contributions that can be made from an educational perspective through the:
formal and informal curriculum
performance and educational attainment of all pupils
pastoral development of all pupils
positive engagement of parents and the wider community
implementation of effective employment practices.
The Lawrence Report goes on to define a racist incident as:
‘any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person'.
This definition uses a victim-centred approach quite purposely and in response to experiences of the kind faced by Giang Vo (above). It places the 'victim’s' perceptions at the heart of any investigation and, by doing so, shifts the onus away from those who may not understand or share the same views about racism and its impact.
Racism or racialism is a form of discrimination based on race, especially the belief that one race is superior to another.
Racism may be expressed individually and consciously, through explicit thoughts, feelings or acts, or socially and unconsciously, through institutions that promote inequality between races.
Types of racist incidents that can occur are:
physical assault
derogatory name calling, insults and racist jokes
displaying or producing racist graffiti
provocative behaviour such as wearing racist badges or insignia
bringing racist material into the school, eg leaflets
verbal abuse and threats
incitement of others to behave in a racist way
racist comments in the course of discussion in lessons
attempts to recruit others to racist organisations and groups
ridiculing of an individual for cultural difference, eg food, music, religion, dress
refusal to co-operate with other people because of their colour, ethnic origin or nationality
written derogatory remarks
excluding someone.
The terms racism and racialism are used to draw a distinction between so-called ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ racism: the former being used in the heat of the moment, the latter in more calculating ways. Although the distinction has merit, usage now sees racism as covering both.
The Macpherson definition of racism is broad and allows for ‘unwitting or unintentional racism’ to be actions such as jokes or other everyday behaviour.
The Macpherson definition also includes apparently ‘victimless’ incidents such as racist graffiti where there is no obviously targeted victim.
Overtly racist comments have no place in a classroom even in the course of legitimate debate on religious and racial issues. Racism can occur between members of any ethnic groups.
It should also be borne in mind that a racist incident can occur between members of the same broad ethnic category. It is important that incidents such as these are tackled in order to emphasise that the school does not tolerate racism in any form.