Racism in Canada as a Social Problem

Introduction

Racism. A relatively new word in our vocabulary. The word was not defined until 1936, when Webster's dictionary defined racism as 1: A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2: Racial prejudice or discrimination. This is a definition of racism that was written by white men, back wen it was ok to deny the access of certain facilities to blacks. This was even considered a white man's moral duty. (Paul Lotus, 2000) Some might think that racism is a thing of the past, yet every day individuals still face racism in a social system in which power is controlled by a white majority.

Racism is not only present between blacks and whites, it is an issue concerning everybody, based on the colour of their skin, their religion and other factors. For example, since the attack on the World Trade Centre, Muslims and Arabs have been experiencing an extreme amount of racism in the United States but also here in Canada (Fakhreddin Jamali, 2003).

Sign for "colored" waiting room at a Greyhound bus...

Taken and donated by Guinnog.

'RACISM/THERE IS MORE TO LEARN' Dominic Jacques

This proves that people are simply looking for someone to hate. Anything can set it off but it is hardly ever justified.

Nature and Scope of the Problem

Racism is difference plus power. All forms of racism suppose that different races cannot coexist equally in one society. For the racist, expulsion and elimination are the only options. Racism is discrimination based on race, it is the belief that one race is superior to others and that differences in race also mean difference in human character and ability. Racism exists when one group excludes or seeks to eliminate another based on differences that are believed to be hereditary and unchangeable. (Ormond McKague 1991)

Some might say that victims can...