Which of the following best defines racism?

The definition of racism primarily revolves around prejudices or discriminatory beliefs that are rooted in an individual's or group's racial background. This includes beliefs that certain races are inferior or superior to others, which leads to the unjust treatment of individuals based on their race. Racism can manifest in various forms, including individual biases, systemic inequalities, and institutional practices that reinforce racial hierarchies.

C articulates this concept effectively by emphasizing that racism encompasses prejudices specifically tied to race. This definition captures both the personal attitudes and societal implications of race-related biases. It underscores that racism is not merely about actions or attitudes toward an individual's social or economic status but is primarily situated in the context of racial identification and the associated inequalities.

The other statements, while dealing with misjudgments or discrimination, do not specifically address the root of racism, which is the prejudicial belief based on race. Thus, they fall short of encapsulating the complex nature of racism as it relates to attitudes and biases concerning race itself.