Racism in the United States

Environmental Racism in relation to Crime and Race

Environmental Racism is included in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (1), beginning with: The term environmental racism has been defined in several ways. The definitional variations of this term are subtle and involve difference between related concepts (e.g., environmental justice, equity, and discrimination). More important than these terminological variations are the main ideas expressed by this term, its history and use. This section not only defines the term but also reveals how environmental racism and the disproportionate exposure of racial and ethnic minorities to hazardous materials and conditions have serious implications for the health and well-being of such communities. Environmental racism can be defined as a form of differential treatment affecting minorities (who are often also low-income groups) in ways that produce environmental disadvantages.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Entry about Environmental Racism in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime

See Also

Racism in relation to Crime and Race

Racism is included in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (1), beginning with: Racism is an excusatory and justificatory tendency existing in all multiethnic societies in which one or more cultures are subordinated (marginalized) by another culture predicated on race. Evidence of the phenomenon manifests in social and civic institutions such as government-sanctioned racial segregation in the United States prior to court rulings and the passing of congressional laws, beginning in the 1950s removing de facto (factual occurrence) as well as de jure (lawful occurrence) government support for it. Racism in the United States, though lacking legal means of expression, continues to be shared by individuals within private and public organizations. This section will discuss racism as a discursive construct and its functions and implications. Racism is a learned hegemonic attribute of dominant culture. The tendency is constructed, passed, and preserved through language.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Entry about Racism in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime

See Also