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Tasks: Structural Racism

Game pieces in different colours. One black game piece is standing by itself. It is surrounded by the others, but there is a gap between it and them. Photo.
Can a society be racist even if most people would never think about engaging in racist behaviour?

Discuss:

Before you move on to the questions below, find out what white privilege and structural racism are. You can do this by watching a video in which psychologist John Amaechi talks about white privilege.

You will find the video by searching for: 'John Amaechi on White Privilege-BBC Bitesize'.

  1. What is white privilege? Explain the term in your own words.
  2. Write a list of other types of privileges that you think could influence people in positive or negative ways. What are your privileges?
  3. What is structural racism? Explain the term in your own words and point to examples of structural racism in modern society.
  4. Is it possible for a society to be racist, even if the members of that society are not racist?
  5. What is the difference between being a non-racist and being an anti-racist?
  6. How can the problem of structural racism be solved?
  7. Is there structural racism in Norway? Have you ever seen or experienced racism yourself in any form?

Find out:

What does it mean to be a Karen? Where does the term come from? What is a typical Karen and in which situations can you expect to meet her? Is there a male equivalent? The word is an example of a neologism; do you think the word will continue to be used in the long term?

Vocabulary:

The following words are all related to racism and racial relations.

  • Write down a good definition of each, using examples as part of your definition.
  • Some of the words mean almost the same thing. Can you identify them?

  • Every-day racism

  • Bigotry

  • Implicit bias

  • Individual racism

  • Institutional racism

  • Prejudice

  • White privilege

  • Ethnocentrism

  • Racial equity

  • Structural racism

  • Systemic racism

  • Cultural appropriation

  • Ethnicity

Understanding usage:

When you read the article about structural racism, you may have noticed that the word 'Black' was capitalised while the word 'white' was not.

  1. Why do you think there is a difference between the two words?

  2. Read through the article 'AP says it will capitalize Black but not white' from Associated Press.
    Why is there a distinction made between the words 'Black' and 'white', according to the article 'AP says it will capitalize Black but not white' ?

  3. Do you agree with the arguments presented in the article? Why / why not?

Research:

You are now going to immerse yourself in race relation data from the United States or the United Kingdom.

Divide the class into groups of 3-4 students. Each group chooses a topic that they work with. We have provided you with some suggestions for research questions in the box below, but you are also free to find your own topic.

As a class, make sure that both countries are represented and that your research topics do not overlap too much. Use relevant statistics to support your argument.

Before you start you should decide on a product. You could:

  • make a podcast
  • arrange a panel discussion
  • make a creative film
  • make a written report
  • be the teacher. (Take over the class and engage your fellow students with different educational activities related to your topic.)

Suggested research topics

  • Are Blacks and whites treated differently in the criminal justice system?
  • Are Blacks and whites treated differently in the national health services?
  • Are Blacks and whites treated differently in education and employment?
  • How does race affect social mobility?
  • How do Republicans and Democrats differ in their attitude and approach to race relations? (United States)

Your final product should include relevant statistics. Remember to refer to your sources in a clear way. Also remember to use appropriate terminology related to race and discrimination.

Possible sources

Here you will find various websites that will provide you with a lot of information. Sift through the pages and find what is relevant for your research topic. Also, use precise search queries on the internet to find more information that is relevant for you.

Britain:

USA:

Write:

  1. In 1988, the scholar and activist Peggy McIntosh published her famous article White Privilege – Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack (abridged version). In this article she presents a list of 50 privileges she admits that she has as a white woman. Use the internet and find out more about Peggy McIntosh and her article. Then write a text where you discuss why she decided to write the list and to what extent this list is relevant in our society today.

  2. In his acceptance speech for best leading actor during the 2020 Bafta award, Joaquin Phoenix called out the structural racism that he experienced in showbiz.

    Write a text where you explore the topic of racism in show business and the stereotyping of black actors in film. Use the internet and find relevant information. Remember to refer to your sources.

  3. What can we, as individuals, do to fight racism? And whose responsibility is it to create change? Write a text in which you explore these questions.

    Before you begin, you may want to watch two short videos that address the topic, but feel free to include your own thoughts and ideas as well.

To find the videos, search for:

  • Cracking the Codes: Joy DeGruy, A Trip to the Grocery Store

  • "What can I do to change? You know? To be a better American?"

Related content

Structural Racism

An article discussing the existence and the consequences of structural racism.

Written by Karin Søvik.
Last updated 04/09/2026

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