15 3.1: Definitions and Concepts

Before delving into the expressions of racism within dietetics, it’s essential to establish a clear understanding of Anti-Black Racism (ABR) and its connection to white supremacy.

Anti-Black Racism (ABR)

Anti-Black Racism refers to the systemic discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization faced by Black individuals and communities due to their race. It encompasses both overt  (e.g. racial slurs, racial segregation, refusing to hire a Black person) and covert forms of discrimination (e.g. racial profiling, fear of Black people, microaggressions, tokenism), perpetuated through social, economic, and political structures (Henry et al. 2010).

White Supremacy

White supremacy is a system of beliefs and practices that prioritize and uphold the dominance of white people and white culture, while marginalizing and oppressing racialized groups. It operates on both individual and institutional levels, perpetuating racial hierarchies and privileging whiteness (DiAngelo, 2018).