A form of racism based on the attribution of negative or inferior value to the culture, customs, beliefs or languages of a certain group of people, while another culture is exalted and becomes the only standard of superiority and civilization. In this kind of racism, people are judged not only by skin color or race, but also by their collective culture, for example, some cultures are seen as “less developed, irrational, backward, or uncivilized,” while the majority culture or dominant culture is considered the “natural” and “superior” standard. The concept of “cultural racism” has been widely discussed in the sociological literature since the 1980s, beginning with the work of Pierre-André Taguieff (1987), who formulated the concept of “differentialist racism”, explaining that racism is no longer always based on biology (as in the 19th century), but rather on cultural differences. Scholars such as Stuart Hall (1990) and Bonilla-Silva (2003) have also noted that cultural racism is more dangerous because it is often “disguised” and practiced under slogans such as “defense of national identity” or “social inclusion.” Examples of cultural racism: 1) In education: support for curricula that exalt the history and culture of the majority (e.g., European colonialism) and marginalize or distort the history and culture of minorities and indigenous peoples. Imposition of the majority language as the sole language of instruction while ignoring minority languages (as happened with indigenous peoples in the Americas and Australia).
2) In the media: Portraying certain cultures as “primitive,” “violent,” or “uncivilized,” while the culture of the majority is presented as “rational and advanced.” Spreading stereotypes (e.g., portraying Arabs as terrorists in Hollywood or Indians as backward).
3) In society and politics: the claim that immigrants from certain cultures “cannot integrate” because of their values or religion. Enacting laws prohibiting cultural or religious symbols (e.g., banning the wearing of the hijab or turban in public schools).
4) In everyday life: ridiculing the accent, eating habits, or clothing of minorities as “exotic.” The assumption that only the culture of the majority is “normal” and everything else is “unacceptable.”