Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines racism as: racism noun a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race Racism - Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary This idea has taken many forms in American history, slavery, Jim Crow laws, eugenics, and yes affirmative action. Regardless of the euphemism you use, all of these policies are based in the idea that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities.