Systematic Racism vs. Systemic Racism

Attribute	Systematic Racism	Systemic Racism
Definition	Refers to the policies and practices entrenched in established institutions, which result in the exclusion or promotion of certain groups	Refers to the overall system of policies and practices that perpetuate racial inequality and discrimination within a society
Origin	Derived from the term "systematic" meaning organized or methodical	Derived from the term "systemic" meaning relating to a system as a whole
Impact	Can be seen in individual acts of discrimination or bias within a system	Affects entire communities or populations through institutionalized discrimination
Examples	Unequal access to education, employment, healthcare, etc.	Racial profiling, redlining, disparities in criminal justice system, etc.

Definition

Systematic racism refers to the policies and practices within institutions that perpetuate racial discrimination and inequality. It is often intentional and can be seen in the way laws, regulations, and procedures are structured to disadvantage certain racial groups. On the other hand, systemic racism refers to the broader societal structures and norms that perpetuate racial inequality, often unintentionally. It is embedded in the fabric of society and can be seen in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment.

Origin

Systematic racism can be traced back to the historical roots of racism and discrimination within institutions. It is often the result of deliberate actions taken to oppress certain racial groups and maintain power dynamics. Systemic racism, on the other hand, has its origins in the broader societal structures that have been shaped by historical racism and inequality. It is often the result of unconscious biases and ingrained prejudices that have been passed down through generations.

Impact

The impact of systematic racism is often more direct and immediate, as it is built into the policies and practices of institutions. This can result in disparities in areas such as education, housing, and criminal justice, where certain racial groups are systematically disadvantaged. Systemic racism, on the other hand, has a more pervasive and long-lasting impact, as it affects the entire society and perpetuates racial inequality across various sectors.

Visibility

Systematic racism is often more visible and easier to identify, as it can be seen in the explicit policies and practices of institutions. This makes it easier to address and combat, as it is clear where the discrimination is coming from. Systemic racism, on the other hand, is often more subtle and hidden, making it harder to identify and address. It operates on a more systemic level, making it challenging to dismantle.

Intersectionality

Systematic racism tends to focus on the specific ways in which racial discrimination operates within institutions, often overlooking the intersectionality of race with other forms of oppression such as gender, class, and sexuality. Systemic racism, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach, recognizing how various forms of oppression intersect and compound to create systemic inequality. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the ways in which racism operates in society.

Resistance

Resistance to systematic racism often involves challenging specific policies and practices within institutions through advocacy, activism, and legal action. This can lead to tangible changes in the way institutions operate and address racial discrimination. Resistance to systemic racism, on the other hand, requires a more comprehensive and long-term approach, as it involves challenging deeply ingrained societal structures and norms. This may require broader social movements and systemic changes to address racial inequality.