Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that neither the law nor public and private institutions have dealt with institutional racism and that only a fundamental policy change, based on reparations, can provide a solution. It provides a comprehensive programme of reform across the sectors of housing, education, health, criminal justice and other areas where it is argued that black people suffer from institutional racism. The chapter shows that institutional racism is more hidden than overt racism and racial discrimination that constitute intentional or unintentional forms of racial harm, or covert racism and racial discrimination that causes indirect racial harms. It investigates the role of institutional racism at an international level by focusing on the socio-economic relations and legal relations that exist between states. The chapter considers the issues of skin bleaching and hair straightening.