A nurse overhears another nurse make a statement that indicates racism. The nurse makes this determination based on which characteristic indicative of social value?

A. Skin color

B. Language

C. Dress

D. Size

Answer: A. Skin colour

Explanation: When one determines social value on the basis of skin colour, then it is racism, because one values someone's general value and therefore the position in society on the basis of race. Race is determined by skin colour because, for example, two members of different races can speak the same language. Also size or dress does not determine race, size may be characteristic of particular ethnic groups within one race, but also within other races, so size does not predetermine race. There is intolerance between, say, two nations of the white race, it is not racism then, such a conflict can grow on religious, political and similar grounds but not racial. Racism is only about skin colour, so determining one's worth or attitude toward someone based on whether they are black, white, yellow or red.