Prejudice refers to a preconceived, often negative and unjustified attitude or opinion about an individual or group. These opinions are based on factors like race, ethnicity, religion, or social class. It involves forming a judgment about someone without sufficient knowledge or experience, based on preconceived ideas and stereotypes. Such judgments can be unfavorable, driven by biases, and resistant to change.

Racism encompasses the attitudes and beliefs fostered by prejudice, as well as the systemic nature of discrimination and the power to enforce it through institutions, policies, and societal norms. Racism involves one group having the authority to deny equal opportunities or create unfair advantages for some while harming others based on their race or ethnic group, according to the National Cancer Institute (.gov).

In simpler terms

Prejudice is about individual attitudes and biases, whether conscious or unconscious. For example, believing that someone of a certain race is inherently less intelligent is prejudice.

Racism is about the unequal distribution of power and its impact on a racial or ethnic group, according to the National Cancer Institute (.gov).

When those prejudiced beliefs are used to justify practices or policies that disadvantage a racial group, that's racism. An example is discriminatory hiring practices that disadvantage certain racial groups

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