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Summary of antE-racism adv�sory comm�ttee topic <br />papers <br />Definiiions of racism <br />The word "racism" is used and understood in many ways including stereotyping, negative <br />feelings or prejudice; differential treatment that is unfair or discriminatory; deliberate <br />exclusion or blocked access to resources (which includes avoiding people from other <br />races and refusing to get to know them); one racial group's assumption that its members <br />are superior to members of other groups; and discritnination or bias by institutions or <br />formal organizations. <br />■ In the survey, over half of the people surveyed define racism as stereotyping, negative <br />feelings, or prejudice toward a group whose characteristics do not match those of the <br />majority population. <br />■ In our community conversations, stereotyping and differential treatment of various <br />kinds were the most commonly expressed themes; however, definitions tended to be <br />detailed and based on personal experienccs, ranging from subtle and polite <br />indifference to outright hate. <br />■ Few people in the suzvey or in the community conversations de�ne racism as structural <br />or institutionalized discrimination or bias. <br />■ For racism to be discussed and addressed, we would benefit from a common <br />understanding. Considering the wide variation in definition, there may be a better <br />tcrm to use than "racism." <br />Personal experiences with racism <br />All groups report experiencing racism in their day-to-day lives, often beginning when <br />they were youngsters. African Americans repo.rt this more than any other group. <br />■ In our survey, 61 percent of Black/African-Americans, 34 percent of American <br />Indians, and 36 percent of Latinos say they are followed or watched by security <br />guards or clerks in stores as if they might steal mere�andise. Across all racial groups <br />surveyed, an average of 19 percent say they have been called insulting names related <br />to their skin color. <br />■ In our community conversations, participants recounted times when they were insulted <br />by Whites, based on tk�eir zace. Most of the examples occurred duzing the partieipants' <br />school years. The issue of racial profiling by the police was a theme that also <br />occurred freyuently in the community discussions. Discrimination when utilizing <br />An assessmenf af racism in '� Jan:rnry 2009 <br />Daknta, Ramsey, und Washingtan counties <br />� <br />