Racism is the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others, leading to discrimination, prejudice, or antagonism against individuals based on their racial or ethnic background. It often manifests in social, economic, and political inequalities, as well as in personal attitudes and behaviors.
The word "racism" originated in the early 20th century, derived from the word "race," which can be traced back to the Middle French word "rasse" (meaning "a breed or group of people"). The suffix "-ism" denotes a distinctive practice or system of belief.