Which of the following best defines racism?

The definition that states an attitude or action that subordinates a group based on race captures the essence of racism effectively. It encompasses the various ways in which individuals or groups are treated unfairly or unequally due to their racial or ethnic identities. This definition acknowledges that racism can manifest not just in overt discriminatory actions but also in more subtle attitudes and systemic inequalities that perpetuate disadvantage based on race. This perspective is critical for understanding the broader implications of racism, extending beyond individual incidents to include institutional and societal structures that promote racial hierarchy.

While other definitions touch on aspects of racism, they may not fully encapsulate its complexities. For example, the idea of favoring one race over another in every circumstance is overly simplistic, as racism can be nuanced and vary by context. The belief in racial superiority for policy making points to a specific application of racism, concentrating on the impact of such beliefs rather than the actions and attitudes overall. Lastly, discriminatory acts involving physical violence represent only a narrow aspect of racism and do not address the insidious and often unrecognized forms of discrimination that pervade society. Therefore, the correct definition is comprehensive and aligns well with the fundamental understanding of racism in both individual and collective forms.