What is racism?
Understand different forms of racism, who it affects, and practical steps you can take to challenge racist behaviour and support anti-racist action.
Summary
Racism happens when a person or organisation uses their power to:
- discriminate
- oppress
- or limit
the rights of others because of their race.
Systemic and interpersonal racism
Racism often takes the form of actions, attitudes, systems and policies that treat people unfairly.
Racism can be interpersonal, expressed as individual thoughts, beliefs or actions. It can come in the form of harassment, abuse or humiliation, violence or intimidating behaviour.
However, racism also exists in systems and institutions where laws, policies, and barriers create inequality for people based on their race. Systemic racism is what often gives license to interpersonal racism.
The Australian context
Racism impacts different Australian communities in different ways over time. For example, Asian-Australian people experienced a spike in racism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have borne the brunt of European colonisation and have a unique experience of racism. The process of colonisation, and the beliefs that underpin it, continue to shape our society today.
Learn more about racism and how to take action
Anti-racism resources
National Anti-Racism Framework
A roadmap for governments, business and community organisations to address all forms of racism in Australia.
An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples
Hear from First Nations Peoples about how racism impacts their lives and what can be done to address it.
An Anti-Racism Framework: The perspectives of multicultural Australia
Learn from consultations with more than 1200 people with lived experience of racism from across Australia.
Race reporting handbook
A resource for the media sector.
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Access our guides, tools and resources and related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.
