RACIALISM

RACIALISM Racialism is a pseudo-scientific attitude or assump­tion (individual or collective) which presupposes the inherent superiority of certain races over what are considered to be less superior or inferior races. Such an attitude often leads to hatred and to the deliberate and systematic exploitation or domination of certain racial groups in order to effect personal, political, economic or social advantage. Historical examples of racialism are numerous and certainly would include the enslavement and subsequent segregation of the African American. Although some writers distinguish between racialism and racism, maintaining that the former suggests a more passive or less antagonistic attitude, the two terms are most often used synonymously. See also: PROSLAVERY RATIONALE.