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Introduction
Racism is a belief that a particular racial group is fundamental and essentially more than others. Racism leads to the oppression of a specific group of people so that another group can have a political-economic or social advantage. It also leads to hatred among people of different races and can have severe consequences to the victims. This paper seeks to find the root causes of racism and the possible solutions on how to combat this persistent menace in the society.
Self-Interest
Self-interest is the one of the leading root causes of racism. In the 17th and the 18th-century, racism was intensified by the Europeans through the use of barbaric actions to force Africans into serving them in their tobacco and sugarcane plantations (Coates 21). They believed that their American counterparts were superior and they could not attract voluntary laborers from them. To serve their interest, they kidnapped Africans and forced them into slavery to work on the plantations. According to Derbyshire, the European colonialists perceived the enslavement of African Americans and other native communities in the U.S. as an acceptable because of the misconception that slaves were less human beings. With such awkward ideas and beliefs, they subjected slaves to severe conditions, including unsanitary living and working conditions and inadequate nutrition. The plantation owners, for instance, controlled the work and physical wellbeing of their laborer and forced the enslaved people to work even when sick. Self-interest that manifests itself in the harsh treatment of the enslaved people contributed to the deeply-rooted racial segregation that still exists today.
Urge to Maintain the Status Quo
Some groups in the urge to maintain the status quo that protects racism justify it in the name of maintaining law and order or maintaining peace. Racists have utilized racism for a long time in suppressing racial inequalities and resistance among the European nations (Derbshire 416). For instance, people believe that black people are naturally brutal and violent, and they are not disturbed by the mass incarceration or police ferocity. Therefore, people come up with racist ideas that approve discrimination to prevent society from rebelling against them. Such statements help them maintain the status quo, which is more vital to them than equality and justice.
Good People Who Do Not Challenge Racism
Some good people are the main reason why racism continues to flourish in many countries. Many people do not like racism, but they do not speak about it. While so many people are trying to fight against racism, there are no rules, laws, social habits, or beliefs to make black people equal and full citizens of America (Lewis 12). There is a misconception among some people that racial discrimination can be addressed by recognizing and appreciating all people, but there is still a lot of work to do to eradicate systematic racism. Having the laws into the system is the only way to combat racism because, in the long run, what matters is not the words but the actions taken to end racism.
Discriminatory Policies
Some policies discriminated against people by race and kept people in poverty. Such policies reinforce racist beliefs and make people who advocate for racism believe that policies support it. Housing laws are an example of such policies. The policies prevent black people from owning houses in certain neighborhoods and relegate them to low-quality housing (Lewis 14). The laws advocate that black people can only own homes in certain areas and prevents them from accumulating wealth. Looking at such laws, it is a clear indication and a justification that black people should only live in certain neighborhoods, which are crime-ridden and low-income places. People believe somehow it is their choice, whereas it the policies that dictate so.
Failure to Recognize Racism in Oneself
Racism still exists because people are not in a position to acknowledge racism. Some people believe that racism is slavery, segregation blatant, and specifically negative references to race. However, racism is more than this as it manifests itself in many different ways. Unfortunately, many individuals erroneously think that as long as a person does not demonstrate flagrant assumptions, beliefs or behaviours towards another from a different racial or ethnic background, he or she cannot perpetuate racism. This failure to accept responsibility and recognize prejudices is the better reason for the existence of racism and why it continues to flourish.
Media Representation
Media is meant to eradicate racism and maintain unity among people but the case is different in some situations. The way books, TVs, music, and movies represent race somehow has a significant effect on societys view of the race. Despite being a reflection of culture, media keeps racial stereotypes well portrayed and alive such that it fuels racism in a big way (Dyson 25). While discrimination in the media is subtle and has no malicious intent, it has significant negative impacts. An example is where media represents black men as the perpetrators of violence, and also, they are over-represented in the poverty news stories. This largely affects societys view of black people and black peoples view of themselves.
Solutions to Racism
Since racism continues to be a big threat, especially for many African American people, uniting and accepting that it exists can help in coming up with ways to combat it. Learning about other people and cultures will somehow emphasize that all individuals are equal and will help send a message that xenophobia and racism will not be right in civil society. Here are some solutions to end the discrimination.
Celebrate Other Cultures
Celebrating, accepting, and learning about different cultures is one big way to end racism. Since stigmatization is cruel and counterproductive, standing up for cultural diversity, supporting the local businesses run by immigrants is a great way to end racism. In addition, reading stories that celebrate and appreciate different cultures, trying food and recipes from other cultures and countries, and watching other countrys films with children will play a critical role in combating racism.
Call Out Hate Speeches and Bigotry
The only way to end those hate speech and discrimination is to speak out. If one overhears someone telling a racist joke, the best thing to do is to let them know that stereotyping is harmful (Dyson 16). Also, it is vital to make children understand nothing is amusing in the use of stereotypes that perpetuate racism and the importance of speaking up. When one sees something in the media or in the newspapers that predicts racism, it is vital to write a letter to the editor or leave a comment to show them that it is not acceptable to tolerate unkind and hateful remarks that encourage discrimination.
Stand Up for People Being Harassed and Intervene If It Is Safe to Do So
If people stand together for the black people, immigrants, and minority groups, they will make the bullies lose their power and eliminate racism. Helping people who are being harassed and making onerself a witness when in a position to do so is vital. All people are equal and deserve respectful, dignified, and human respect. Standing up with them in solidarity will go a long way in combating racism. Another solution for discrimination is supporting human rights organizations such as UNICEF and other anti-prejudice and anti-racist organizations (Dyson 17). Regardless of the effort they are putting in funding these organizations, the support is critical. It might be volunteering, financial aid, working with other groups with the same goals, or being an advocate. Involving oneself in such actions will make voices be heard excellently and make a significant change at the local level. In addition, it will also help meet other great people with whom one can share the same goals and, hence make ones voice strong enough to be felt across the group.
Be A Proactive Parent
Hate and prejudice are not innate but behaviors that children learn from parents. Teaching your children to be respectful at a tender age is crucial. Since children learn their behaviors from parents, what they watch on the televisions, and what they read in the books, it is vital to set good examples for them. Teaching them the importance of observing the proper materials and reading good books is essential. Also, talk to your children about different cultures and make them understand that we are all humans and everybody has the right to be valued and dignity.
While racism has flourished for a long time, the solutions to it are in peoples power. Individuals have all it takes, and standing up in solidarity is the most effective solution. It is also good to teach children the importance of appreciating others by encouraging them to watch films and eat food from other cultures to bring up a generation that understands no racism should exist in the contemporary world.
Works Cited
Coates, Ta-Nehisi. Between the World and Me. Text Publishing, 2015.
Derbyshire, H. (2007). Roy Williams: Representing Multicultural Britain in Fallout.Modern Drama, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 414-434. Web.
Dyson, Michael Eric. Tears we cannot stop: A sermon to white America. St. Martins Press, 2017.
Lewis, John, and Brenda D. Jones. Across that Bridge: A vision for change and the future of America. Hachette Book Group, 2019.
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