The division between racial idealists and racial realists is a division in what is seen as the root of racism. For racial idealists, racism originates in the mind, and so it is the mind that must be changed in the pursuit to eliminate racism. For racial realists, racism originates in the pursuit of economic gain, with racist attitudes fabricated in order to justify economic exploitation, and so it is economic empowerment that people need in order to fight racism.

While these views do not contradict each other, they hold different issues as top priorities. While idealists may focus on speech laws, representation in media, and diversity seminars, realists would be more likely to focus on workers rights, immigration laws, and the criminal justice system.