What is Racism?

Technical term:
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination.
Racism is the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to another, that a person’s social and moral traits are predetermined by his or her inborn biological characteristics. Different races should remain segregated and apart from one another.
When I think of race, the first thing that pops up in my head is black and white. I don't necessarily think that because I am black, but because that's what I've grown up with. American history talks mostly about racism between black and white people. Of course it's not just about black and white people, because we're not the only two types of people on the earth. Although I must say the only race-issue problems I've heard of are between some race of people and white people. For example I've never heard any problems with Native American people and Chinese people, on the other hand I've heard about race problems including both with Caucasion people.
I just realized I switched from saying "white" to "caucasion" but I think I'm going to stick with white and black (unless Tanya, you want me to say the proper names). I have a lot of thoughts about race and how its intertwined with our society, but I need to organize my thoughts. I think each week I will blog about a different subject i.e. stereotypes, now and then, Barack Obama, why we still have racism today, where do you see racism, history on racism, how is the US compaired to other countries, and of course commenting on what I watch and read.
I guess this is just a tester, my first blog, but I think I'll get into the flow of things. This week has been very busy for me with my new job and HOMEWORK! So I don't have as much to say, but once it slows down in yearbook (aka after this week) I believe I will be able to go a little more in-dept with what I really want to say.
SOOO until next week, BYE!

Introduction

For my final semester in high school, I am doing an independent project on the issue of race.
This is my outline of what I will be working with:

Essential Questions:
1. Why is racism still active today
2. What impacts will the election of Barack Obama have on race in this country?
3. What continues to motivate racism today?
4. Is the stream of information available in the popular media poisoned by racism?
5. How does the media portray racism issues though music, film and books?

*I will be referring back to these questions throughout my blogs.

Movies:
1. Crash
2. American History X
3. Shawshank Redemption
4. Remember the Titans
5. Redemption?

Book:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Black Like Me
3. White Like Me
4. Everyday Antiracism

*I will be reading and watching all these and discussing my opinions and thoughts.

I will also be blogging about articles I read, and how race affects me in my life on a day to day basis.