Racism in and of itself is not a mental illness, since it is a learned rather than inherent; compulsive, or uncontrollable behavior. However, racism clearly contributes greatly to the extremely unhealthy fracturing of the social fabric of American (and many other) society (ies), and to many racial and ethnic groups' suspicions of and paranoia about other groups. .

             Roots of, and reasons for American (or any other) racism most likely springs from varied individual and other circumstances, including, for example, past familiarity (or the lack thereof) with a given racial group; from prejudicial influences of parents and/or other authority figures, and/or one's peers; or from bad experiences with members of a particular racial group, which then affect a person's feelings toward the whole group, e.g., being beat up by a gang of black kids; being convinced that an Asian applicant "stole" one's chance of being admitted to a prestigious university. .

             Racism can also come from lingering stereotypes, combined sometimes with real unequal educational and/or social opportunities and experiences leading to feelings of racism and prejudice against various groups. Such stereotypes and experiences can convince some people of things like "blacks are stupid"; "Hispanics are lazy", "Jews are stingy"; "Asians are nerds". Having a sense of social, or institutionalized, acceptance of prejudice and stereotypes (e.g., al most all others are racially prejudiced, so racism is the acceptable norm) can also both create and perpetuate racism. .

             Still, racism in and of itself is not a mental illness, although phobias and/or paranoia about a racial group or groups, could in fact be signs of underlying mental illness, e.g., avoidance of dark skinned people because they are perceived as potentially harmful to one's safety, health, or welfare. .

             Education; greater social familiarity and awareness; and more equitable social; economic; educational, and other opportunities for all people and groups could still eradicate racism, which is a learned attitude and behavior rather than a mental illness.