Which statement defines racism as a belief about inherent differences among races determining achievement?

• A. The belief that all races are inherently equal.
• B. The belief that racial groups should be treated differently by law.
• C. A belief that inherent differences among races determine achievement, usually with one race superior.
• D. A belief that ethnicity determines culture.

Answer: (C)

Racism is the belief that there are inherent differences between races that determine people’s abilities and achievements, often accompanied by the notion that one race is superior. The statement captures this idea directly by tying achievement to supposed intrinsic racial differences and by noting that one race is usually viewed as superior. This belief underpins the justification for unequal treatment and discriminatory practices.

The other options don’t fit because they describe different ideas: insisting all races are inherently equal counters racist thinking; arguing that laws should treat racial groups differently reflects discrimination or policy decisions, not the underlying belief about inherent differences; and claiming ethnicity determines culture links cultural traits to ethnicity rather than making a claim about abilities or achievement.