What it means
Racism can appear as direct prejudice, unequal treatment, harassment, exclusion, or practices that produce unfair racial outcomes. Not every difference proves racism, but race should never be used as a shortcut for a person’s character, intelligence, danger, or worth.
What it can look like
It can look like racial slurs, harsher discipline for similar behavior, refusing service, excluding people from opportunities, stereotyping a person as dangerous, or treating a person as less credible because of race.
Why it matters
Racial discrimination attacks both equal treatment and individual dignity. It also damages trust: people are less likely to believe a system is fair when they see different standards applied to different groups.
What justice should require
I think the answer is consistent rules, evidence-based decisions, equal protection, transparent accountability, and the willingness to correct unfair policies when the evidence shows a problem.
Research source
This article is written in my own words and uses this source for the legal or factual background referenced above.