Racism is the belief, discrimination, or systemic oppression based on race, which posits that certain racial groups are superior to others. It involves prejudice, stereotypes, and unequal treatment that can occur at individual, institutional, or societal levels. It often creates power imbalances that privilege dominant groups. 

Key Types of Racism:

• Internalized Racism: Occurs when individuals from marginalized groups accept and believe negative stereotypes about their own race.

• Cultural Racism: The societal imposition of a dominant group's culture, values, and norms while devaluing others. 

  Interpersonal Racism: Occurs between individuals through direct actions, including slurs, harassment, or microaggressions.

• Institutional Racism: Discriminatory policies and practices within institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and courts, that create unequal outcomes.

• Systemic/Structural Racism:

   A broad system of hierarchy and inequality, combining historical, cultural, and institutional forces that perpetuate racial disadvantage.

Key Aspects:

• Manifestations: Racism can be explicit (hate speech, violence) or subtle/covert (microaggressions, implicit bias).

• Impact: It causes significant harm, including racial trauma, anxiety, and unequal access to resources, housing, and healthcare.

• Legality: The prohibition of racial discrimination is a core principle of international human rights, with nations obliged to eliminate it in public and private life.