1. Racism, Prejudice, and Discrimination

2. The Continuing Struggle for Minority Civil Rights
Despite the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Civil Rights Act, and subsequent legislations, the discrepancy between legal equality and actual inequality has remained in American society
The terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001 showed how national and world events can quickly change the fortunes of particular minority groups
The situations of immigrant groups highlights the problems of minority status in the United States

3. The Social Construction of Minorities
Racial minorities are groups that are set apart on the basis of physical characteristics
Ethnic minorities are groups that are set apart on the basis of nationality and culture
Assimilation is the process by which a minority group takes on the culture of the dominant group

4. Defining Racism, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Racism - is behavior that is motivated by the belief that one’s own group is superior to other groups that are set apart on the basis of physical characteristics
Discrimination - unequal treatment because of group membership
Prejudice - prejudged negative attitude or opinion about a group without bothering to verify the merits of the opinion or judgment

5. Some Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination
1. Prejudice and discrimination have harmful effects on the personality of its victims
2. Prejudice and discrimination are sources of pain and conflict between groups
3. Prejudice, discrimination, and subtle racism are directed toward minorities
4. Hate crimes

6. Other Types of Prejudice
Sexism: Discrimination against women or men because of their gender.
Classism: Discrimination against a person or group of people because of the economic class.
Ageism: Discrimination against a person or group of people because of their age.

7. Other Types of Prejudice
Homophobic: An irrational disapproval or hatred of homosexuality.
Nationalism: Excessive devotion to a nation to the point that all other nations seem inferior.
Religious: Discrimination against a person or group of people because of their religion.