Racism is prejudice, discrimination or hostility – or in other words; directing hate or dislike towards a person, or group of people because of race or ethnicity. Racism is a hate crime; it is illegal to treat someone differently because of attitudes towards their race, religion, nationality or culture.
Racial discrimination can be direct or indirect.
Direct racial discrimination: when a person purposely goes out of their way to exclude someone, or verbally or physically abuse someone specifically because of their race. These actions are normally intentional, thoughtless and intended to get an instant reaction.
Indirect racial discrimination: when a person or organisation introduces a rule, behaviours or culture that discriminates against people on the basis of race.
You can find more information about hate crime here and advice on how to report hate crime in our Ultimate Guide.
