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Racism: Individual, Institutional, and Cultural

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Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology
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Racism has a long history in the United States (U.S.). In actuality, it has existed since the inception of the country, manifesting itself in atrocities initially against Native Americans, and subsequently against African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans. Responsible citizens in a democratic society would agree that racism should be eradicated from the mindset and practices of its individuals, institutions, and cultural ideologies. However, even after the Civil Rights Movement and the passing of civil rights legislation, racism continues to hold a profound grip on the country.

When many people hear the term racism, they envision flagrant acts of violence by White supremacists such as members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). They may also envision bumbling acts of ignorance and stupidity like those such as by Archie Bunker. These widespread images truly reflect on this debilitating social problem, but they are too simplistic to explain racism’s complex manifestations in...

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Ridley, C.R., Kwon, S. (2010). Racism: Individual, Institutional, and Cultural. In: Clauss-Ehlers, C.S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-71799-9_343

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-71799-9_343

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