What's the REAL Difference Between Racism, Prejudice and Bigotry

Rhonda Douglas Charles
12 minutes ago
2 min read

Racism vs. Prejudice vs. Bigotry: Why the Words Matter

Let’s be real: for many immigrant professionals, navigating the workplace comes with more than just job responsibilities. You’re also managing biases, microaggressions, and outright discrimination—sometimes daily. But being able to name what you’re experiencing is the first step toward addressing it.

At AdnohrDocs, we believe in using language with precision and power. So let’s break down three terms that get tossed around a lot—racism, prejudice, and bigotry—and explain how they’re different.

The word “prejudice” highlighted in a dictionary entry, with wooden human figures divided by a wooden barrier, symbolizing social exclusion. — Prejudice divides—often before a word is spoken. This image shows how assumptions and bias can separate people, even in subtle ways.

Prejudice = Pre-Judging

Prejudice is a snap judgment based on stereotypes, not facts. It’s when someone assumes you’re not “leadership material” because of your accent. Or when a hiring manager overlooks your résumé because your name sounds “too foreign.”

Key trait? It’s not always about race—and it can be unconscious. But it still does harm.

A single blue binder clip sits apart from a colorful pile of other clips, symbolizing deliberate exclusion and intolerance. — Bigotry isolates—not because people don’t belong, but because we refuse to let them. Prejudice may misjudge, but bigotry actively excludes, choosing separation over understanding. Same function, different color—still pushed to the margins.

Bigotry = Hatred + Intolerance

Bigotry takes it a step further. It’s not just bias—it’s intense dislike, often paired with a refusal to accept others. This shows up as rude comments, exclusion, or even outright hate.

Key trait? Bigotry is emotional and aggressive. It doesn’t hide behind politeness.

The word “RACISM” spelled with black letters on white dice, beneath a row of paper-cutout figures in various skin tones. A megaphone displays a sign that reads “Racism is not opinion.” — Racism isn’t just personal bias—it’s a system. Built on power and exclusion, it impacts how people live, work, and are seen. And no, it’s not up for debate.

Racism = Power + Prejudice

Racism isn’t just someone being rude to you because of your race. It’s when systems and structures are set up in a way that disadvantages people based on race—especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

Key trait? Racism = prejudice plus power. It’s baked into hiring practices, pay gaps, and performance evaluations.

Why This Matters for Your Career

When you don’t name what’s happening, it’s easy to internalize it. You start to question your value, your talent, your voice.

But when you can say:

“That comment was rooted in prejudice.”

“This policy has a racist impact.”

“That reaction felt like bigotry.”

—you reclaim your power.

And when it’s time to speak up (or document your case), you’ll do so with clarity and confidence.

At AdnohrDocs, We Help You Stand Taller

Whether you're navigating microaggressions in a team meeting or trying to find a workplace that truly sees you, we’re here to help. We don’t sugarcoat it—but we do strategize it.

Because even in systems built to exclude, you can still rise.

“Name it. Call it. Don’t carry it.”