Apartheid vs. Racism

Attribute	Apartheid	Racism
Definition	A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa	Belief in the superiority of one race over others and the discrimination against people based on their race
Origin	Originated in South Africa in the late 19th century	Has existed throughout history in various forms
Legislation	Enforced through a series of laws and policies, including the Population Registration Act and Group Areas Act	No specific legislation, but can be enforced through discriminatory practices and policies
Geographical Scope	Primarily associated with South Africa	Can be found in various countries around the world
Impact	Resulted in widespread inequality, oppression, and violence	Leads to discrimination, prejudice, and social injustice

Definition

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. It was a policy enforced by the government that classified people based on their race and allocated different rights and privileges to different racial groups. Racism, on the other hand, is a belief or ideology that one race is superior to others and can lead to discrimination and prejudice against people of different races.

Legislation

Under apartheid, there were a series of laws that enforced racial segregation and discrimination. These laws included the Population Registration Act, which classified people into different racial groups, the Group Areas Act, which designated separate residential areas for different races, and the Bantu Education Act, which provided inferior education for black South Africans. In contrast, racism is not enforced by legislation but is a social construct that can manifest in various forms of discrimination and prejudice.

Impact

The impact of apartheid in South Africa was profound and long-lasting. It led to the systematic oppression and marginalization of black South Africans, who were denied basic rights and opportunities. Apartheid also created deep divisions within South African society and left a legacy of inequality that continues to affect the country today. Racism, on the other hand, can have a similar impact on individuals and communities, leading to feelings of inferiority, discrimination, and violence.

Resistance

Both apartheid and racism have been met with resistance from those who oppose discrimination and inequality. In South Africa, the anti-apartheid movement gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, leading to protests, boycotts, and international condemnation of the apartheid regime. Similarly, the civil rights movement in the United States fought against racism and segregation, leading to significant legal and social changes. Both movements were instrumental in challenging the status quo and advocating for equality and justice.

International Response

While apartheid was primarily a system that existed in South Africa, it garnered international attention and condemnation. The United Nations imposed sanctions on South Africa in the 1980s to pressure the government to end apartheid, and many countries around the world boycotted South African goods and services. In contrast, racism is a global issue that exists in various forms in different countries. The international community has made efforts to combat racism through conventions, declarations, and initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance and diversity.

Legacy

The legacy of apartheid in South Africa is still evident today, as the country continues to grapple with the effects of decades of racial segregation and discrimination. While apartheid officially ended in the early 1990s with the election of Nelson Mandela as president, the scars of apartheid are still visible in the economic and social disparities that exist in the country. Racism, too, continues to be a pervasive issue in many societies, with ongoing efforts to address systemic racism and promote equality for all individuals.