Racism is the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. Therefore, many racists discriminate or prejudice. However, while the notion of prejudice may be clear, a common definition is rather harder to assess. Ackerman and Jahoda define prejudice as "a pattern of hostility in interpersonal relations which is directed against an entire group, or against its individual members; it fulfills a specific irrational function for its bearer"

Exact figures on what percentage of the US population is prejudiced or racist are not available. Pettigrew found that roughly 15% of White adults are extremely racist largely due to authoritarian personality needs. Approximately 60% of White adult Americans are conforming bigots, reflecting the racist ideology of the larger society. These data are somewhat disconcerting. Only 25% of the White population appear to take a stand against racism. Although only 15% of the samples were extremely racist, 60% of White Americans conform to racist ideology in society. By not being part of the solution, this 60% is part of the problem. Therefore, 75% of the population, to some degree, promotes the status quo, which is racial inequality. Pettigrew emphasizes that White Americans increasingly reject racial injustice in principle but remain reluctant to accept and act on measures necessary to eliminate the injustice. (Ponterotto 17)

Regardless of the method of expressing racism, the harms are still apparent and pervading. The clear harms from racism are due to hate crime: murder, forcible rape, assault, intimidation, crimes against property, theft, and vandalism. The only difference between the harms of hate crimes versus regular crimes is that the perpetrators committed the crimes because of their biases against the victims. Richard Delgado, Jean N. Lindsley and Jean Stefancic further the list of physical damages upon the victims:

With the disgusting tendency to segregate and discriminate without much recourse only shows the moral depravity that surfaces within otherwise innocent citizens. This depravity or breakdown of our moral codes that thrive on ideals like respect and dignity still occur even within those conceived as righteous individuals.

News at 11pm. KRON, San Francisco. 23 Nov. 2000.

A duality of consciousness develops when one's humanistic values are challenged by racial socialization. For example, the subjects in Dennis' autobiographical sketches were taught to love everyone, but not Blacks, to respect the elderly, but not older Blacks. Parents' desire to create racial stratification are confusing to children.

Labeling the White male as the primary racist cannot be invariably incorrect. As stated, 75% of White adults are racist "to some degree"; and, the female population is among the most victimized groups by various forms of prejudice and discrimination. Moreover, various minorities are the prime targets of prejudice and racism. These victims of hate include gays, Jews, blacks, women, Asians, Muslims, the poor, and the physically and mentally handicapped. Any combination of these would unfortunately only make one's life more challenging in respects to attaining power, respect, and most likely, money. All this would occur simply over a matter of superficial characterizations. Some critics of racism would say that there is "reverse discrimination," retributive discrimination against Whites. However, Bernie Lott challenges this when he writes:

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Approximate Word count = 3456
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)