Development of Cultural Racism and the Subsequent Effect

This paper focuses on the concept of cultural racism, a relatively new term that emerged after World War II. The term, which is also referred to as new racism, postmodern racism, neo-racism, and differentialist racism, generally refers to the form of racism that deems one racial group superior over another based on cultural differences, not biological differences. Biological racism believes racial superiority is determined based on physical and genetic features. The study takes an in-depth analysis of the process in which the backlash of World War II and following social movements caused the shift from biological racism to cultural racism. Cultural racism functions the same way as biological racism. Cultural stereotypes and associated identities are used as justifications for racial discrimination. In Europe, cultural racism presents itself in the form of European cultural superiority, justifying discrimination and exclusion of immigrants and refugees. In South Africa, cultural racism is used to rule under the system of Apartheid and continue anti-black racism. In the United States, cultural racism combines with stereotypical cultural stereotypes to maintain the racist status quo and hide the racial reality of the country.