What best defines individual racism?

Individual racism is best defined as internalized, unexpressed biases based on race. This concept refers to the personal beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes that an individual holds regarding racial differences and superiority, which may not necessarily manifest in overt actions or public expressions. Instead, it involves the subconscious acceptance of stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory beliefs that can shape how an individual perceives others and interacts with them, often leading to unintentional discrimination.

Understanding individual racism is crucial as it can influence a person's behavior and decisions in ways they might not consciously recognize. For example, someone may harbor biases that affect how they view or treat people of different races without explicitly expressing those views. This internal dimension of racism emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and awareness in combating racial bias and promoting equity.

The other choices, while they relate to different aspects of racism, focus on systemic and institutional elements or public expressions rather than the personal, internal beliefs that characterize individual racism.