How was the apartheid different from racism that existed before and Colin South Africa?
The apartheid system in South Africa was different from racism that existed before in the country in several key ways:
1. Legalized discrimination: While racism has existed throughout history, the apartheid system in South Africa was unique in that it was a government-sanctioned system of racial segregation and discrimination. The apartheid laws were codified and enforced by the state, leading to strict racial classifications and restrictions on the rights and freedoms of non-white citizens.
2. Institutionalized racism: The apartheid system institutionalized racism at all levels of society, including government, education, healthcare, and housing. Non-white citizens were systematically excluded from certain areas and opportunities, and were subjected to harsh laws and policies that reinforced their inferior status in society.
3. Forced removals and segregation: Under apartheid, non-white citizens were forcibly removed from their homes and communities and relocated to segregated areas known as townships. This led to the geographic isolation and marginalization of non-white communities, further reinforcing racial divisions and inequalities.
4. Systemic oppression: The apartheid system systematically oppressed non-white citizens through discriminatory laws and policies that limited their rights and freedoms. This included restrictions on land ownership, employment opportunities, and access to education and healthcare, among other things.
Overall, the apartheid system in South Africa was a distinctive form of racism that was characterized by its extreme and systematic nature, as well as its codified and institutionalized form of discrimination.