Facts about Racism in History that will Surprise You

Did you know that communities of colour are more likely to live near hazardous waste facilities or in areas with poor air quality, leading to higher rates of asthma, and cancer? This is ‘Racism’ which occurs when an individual, community or institution discriminates against someone based on their race, colour or ethnic group (a group that is marginalised). Keep reading this blog to find answers to questions like: Where did racism come from? Is it something society has always dealt with or did something specific lead to its creation? As you move ahead you will also find several facts about racism which you didn’t know until now. 

What is Racism?

Racism is the practice of treating people differently or unfairly based on their race, ethnicity, or skin colour. It is rooted in the idea that certain races are superior or inferior to others, leading to discrimination, prejudice, and unequal treatment. This concept is not new and has been prevalent throughout human history and manifests in various forms, including individual attitudes, systemic practices, and institutional policies.

Racism in History

Racism has a long and complex history and has been a significant factor in historical events such as slavery, colonialism, and genocides. Some of the stark examples of racism include the enslavement of African Americans in the United States and the Holocaust. But where did racism come from? It all started with the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the 16th century. Although slavery did exist before. However, in this global slave trade, millions of Africans were transported to several parts of the Americas ( Atlantic to the West Indies, Brazil, and North America). 

These enslaved Africans had to produce goods like sugar, coffee, cocoa, cotton, and tobacco, which were then exported to Europe.

Racism in Africa

Another example is — Racism in Africa which has been a recurring part of the history of Africa. This multi-faceted issue persists in various forms, influenced by historical contexts such as colonialism and apartheid. Even today, it is impacting social dynamics, economic disparities, and individual experiences across the continent.

The roots of racism in Africa can be traced back to colonial exploitation, where European powers established racial hierarchies to justify their dominance over African populations. 

11+ Facts About Racism that Will Surprise You

Racism is a complex and multifaceted social issue that affects individuals and societies in various ways. Here are some key facts about racism:

1. Transatlantic Slave Trade Displaced Millions

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic as part of the slave trade. About 2 million died during the journey due to horrific conditions.

2. Health Disparities are Linked to Racism

In the US, Black women are nearly 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, regardless of income or education level, due to systemic racism in healthcare.

3. Last Country to Abolish Slavery was Mauritania

In 1981, Mauritania became the last country in the world to officially abolish slavery, when a presidential decree abolished the practice.

4. “Race Science” was used to Justify Genocide

Pseudoscientific theories in the 19th and early 20th centuries were used to justify atrocities like the Holocaust, where over 6 million Jews and millions of others were murdered by Nazi Germany.

5. Racism can Affect the Lifespan

Studies show that chronic exposure to racism and discrimination leads to higher levels of stress and poorer health outcomes, which can reduce life expectancy.

6. European Colonisation caused Indigenous Genocide

European colonisation of the Americas led to the deaths of an estimated 90% of Indigenous populations, due to violence, forced displacement, and diseases introduced by settlers.

7. Racism Costs the Economy

A 2020 study estimated that racial inequality has cost the US economy about USD 16 trillion over the last 20 years, stemming from lost earnings, reduced consumption, and lower productivity.

8. Role of Media in Reinforcing Racism

Research shows that people of colour are underrepresented in film and television. If represented, they are more likely to be cast in stereotypical or criminal roles.

9. Racial Stereotypes in AI

Artificial intelligence systems have been shown to exhibit racial biases, such as facial recognition software being less accurate for people with darker skin tones, reflecting the biases in their training data.

10. Racial Pay Gap

In the United States, Black and Latino workers earn approximately 25-30% less than white workers in similar jobs, even after accounting for education and experience.

11. Global Disparities in Refugee Treatment

Refugees from predominantly non-white countries often face harsher immigration policies and longer asylum processes compared to refugees from predominantly white countries.

12. Racial Bias in Job Recruitment

Studies have shown that job applicants with “ethnic-sounding” names are 50% less likely to be called back for interviews compared to applicants with white-sounding names, even when their qualifications are identical.

Effects of Racism on Mental Health

Racism has profound effects on mental health manifesting through various psychological and emotional challenges faced by individuals who experience discrimination based on their race. 

Take a look at the image below to find all the effects of racism on mental health.

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