Reverse racism
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Reverse racism or reverse discrimination is a concept that portrays affirmative action in the United States and similar color-conscious programs as a form of anti-white racism on the part of black people and government agencies; it is commonly associated with conservative opposition to such programs. The concept has also been used to characterize various expressions of hostility or indifference toward white people by members of minority groups.
Empirical studies have found little evidence that such institutional anti-white racism exists. Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States generally lack the power to damage the interests of whites, who remain the dominant group. Claims of reverse racism tend to ignore such disparities in the exercise of power and authority, which scholars argue constitute an essential component of racism.
While the debate over reverse racism tends to focus on the United States, the concept has been used internationally to some extent wherever white supremacy has been diminished, such as in post-apartheid South Africa. Allegations of reverse racism therefore form part of a racial backlash against gains by non-whites.
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