This session examines what racism really is and how it operates. Exploring ideas of race, racialisation, and power, it asks who gets defined as a ‘race’, why, and how different forms of racism — from colonial prejudice to antisemitism — shape society and our understanding of inequality.
We all think we know what racism is until someone asks. Then it is far from clear, suddenly: one might spontaneously say that racism is somehow directed against ‘races’, but on reflection, most people agree that human ‘races’ don’t exist. Except, some would reply, that racists create with the idea of ‘races’ also, if they have the power to do so, some reality. Really? But how? How does the ‘formation’ of races, or the ‘racialization’ of certain groups of people, work? And which groups get ‘racialized’, that is, turned into and treated as ‘races’? Just anyone? Many people would say that racism targets the poor and exploited, the colonized, migrants, and refugees, maybe to ‘divide the working class’. This is true of many forms of racism. But then, there are also forms of racism that are directed at rich and powerful people. Does that make it OK? And then, there are also forms of racism that only imagine their victims to be rich and powerful (such as antisemitism, which is racism against Jews). So, what would be a good way of defining racism that covers all of this? Is there one?
Why Attend?
These taster sessions are ideal for students who want to:
- Explore potential university subjects and career pathways.
- Experience engaging, interactive online lectures.
- Participate in discussions and practical activities.
- Gain insight into what studying at university could be like.
These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to get a head start on university learning and make informed decisions about your future studies.
Join Us
All sessions are free and delivered online. Click the 'visit website' button below to visit Bangor University’s subject taster webpage. Complete the form with your details and submit to secure your place to attend the session!