veiled racism

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "veiled racism" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe racism that is not immediately obvious or overt but still present in a situation. For example, "The decision to fire the only Black employee was a veiled racism that was not initially obvious to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Black favela-dwellers tired of the country's veiled racism?

The Economist

India's trade minister described the opposition as thinly veiled "racism".

The Guardian - Business

Educated élites may dismiss the grievances of poor rural whites as little more than thinly veiled racism.

The New Yorker

The statement stood out for its thinly veiled racism, though the opportunity to start over was indeed appealing to many.

The Guardian

The Greek crisis led to an ugly spate of thinly veiled racism against lazy and spendthrift Mediterranean types in the media.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are moments where this convex history works brilliantly, like when Tarantino depicts the K.K.K. a decade prior to its actual formation in order to thoroughly ridicule its members' (literally) veiled racism.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Although the series as a whole tackles cultural issues of diversity and tolerance albeit in a refracted, candy-colored sort of way the movie's thinly veiled anti-racism narrative has the most obvious political bent.

Vice

Yesterday's vote was not only an undeniable act of heartlessness, it was also perhaps the ultimate example of how today's increasingly radical and unhinged GOP leadership picks on the poor, coddles the rich, makes thinly veiled appeals to racism, and plays time-wasting political games instead of governing.

Huffington Post

MacFarlane's humour marries the worst tendencies of Ricky Gervais and Judd Apatow, in that half of his punchlines rely on irony-veiled racism, sexism and homophobia, while the other half are pop culture references, as if mentioning James Bond or TJ Hooker were hilarious in itself.

Independent

They gilded this cynical bait-and-switch with thinly-veiled racism directed at immigrants and minorities.

Huffington Post

And then go on TV and double down on your thinly-veiled racism.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "veiled racism", provide specific examples or context to support your claim, as the subtlety of the racism may not be immediately apparent to everyone.

Common error

Be careful not to mistake unintentional ignorance or cultural insensitivity for "veiled racism". Ensure there is a discernible pattern or underlying discriminatory intent before using this term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veiled racism" functions as a descriptor, typically used to qualify situations, actions, or statements that contain underlying or implicit racial prejudice. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veiled racism" is a powerful descriptor used to identify and critique subtle, often unintentional, forms of racial bias. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. "Veiled racism" differs from overt racism in its subtlety, making it harder to detect and address. It often manifests through microaggressions, biased policies, or underlying stereotypes. When using the term, it's crucial to provide specific examples and context to avoid misinterpreting unintentional ignorance as bias. Alternative phrases like "subtle racial bias" or "implicit racial prejudice" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed. The frequent appearance of the phrase in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in contemporary discussions about race and inequality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinly disguised racism

Highlights the poor attempt at hiding racist views.

subtle racial bias

Focuses on the subtlety of the bias, omitting the implication of concealment.

indirect racial discrimination

Highlights the indirect nature of the discriminatory action.

implicit racial prejudice

Emphasizes the underlying prejudice rather than its overt manifestation.

covert racial animosity

Replaces 'racism' with 'animosity' to soften the accusation, and uses 'covert' to indicate the hidden nature.

unconscious racial bias

Focuses on the lack of awareness in the bias.

institutionalized racism

Implies that the racism is embedded within an organization or system.

systemic racial inequality

Shifts the focus to inequality as a result of racism.

racial microaggressions

Refers to small, everyday actions or comments that communicate hostility toward people of color.

colorblind racism

Describes the belief that ignoring race will end racism, which often perpetuates existing inequalities.

FAQs

How can I identify "veiled racism" in a situation?

Look for subtle, indirect actions or statements that suggest racial bias. This might include microaggressions, stereotypes, or exclusionary practices that don't explicitly mention race but disproportionately affect certain racial groups. Consider the context and the potential impact of these actions.

What's the difference between "veiled racism" and overt racism?

"Veiled racism" is subtle and indirect, often expressed through implicit biases or seemingly neutral policies that have a discriminatory effect. Overt racism is explicit and direct, involving openly prejudiced statements or actions. Detecting "veiled racism" often requires careful analysis, while overt racism is immediately obvious.

What are some alternative phrases for "veiled racism"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "subtle racial bias", "implicit racial prejudice", or "thinly disguised racism". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call something "veiled racism" if the person denies any racist intent?

Intent is only one factor to consider. Even without conscious intent, actions or statements can still perpetuate racial bias. If the impact of those actions or statements disproportionately harms or marginalizes a racial group, and reflects underlying stereotypes or biases, it can be considered a form of "veiled racism".