Paper Example on Racism as a Universal Disease

Introduction

Racial discrimination springs from the historical false phenomenon that several individuals are inferior to others. The self-centered lie corrupts peoples' minds into believing that unexpected treatment is right. Many people associate racism with mistreatment or harassment. Even so, racial discrimination does not necessarily comprise of violent behavior. For example, denying people the opportunity to take part in various activities because of their origin or when people practice ethnic name-calling.

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People participate in racism either through their deeds or their attitudes. But at times it may not be quickly discovered. For instance, during interviews, an interviewer can deny an individual a job opportunity because of their skin color. Therefore, this paper will try to elaborate more on when racism began, reasons as to why people practice racism as well as areas and persons that are vulnerable to racism. Finally, the essay will establish why racism is a menace, whether the present century exercises it and how it can be solved.

History of Racism

Racism has been present all through human history. People believed that some individuals were lesser than others because of their language, place of birth, customs, and skin color among other factors. Van den Berghe states that slavery has been one of the most talked about forms of racism in history predominantly African enslavement. Racial injustice influenced slavery, conflicts, and development of nations. For example, the racial discrimination by European powers towards the African countries as portrayed in the 19th century.

Africans enslavement was a result of the racist conviction that Africans were less superior to the white Europeans and their children. The belief was not spontaneous initially, Africans were not termed to be inferior human beings as illustrated by Van den Berghe. When the sailors from Portugal travelled to Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries, they came across developed kingdoms and towns similar to those back in their native land. The advancements made them consider Africans as their enemies. As time passed, the Africans' efforts to match their developments to those of the European nations became futile. Africans failure to match up with the European technology made those nations loot the African continent and force its occupants to work as slaves in the colonies across the Atlantic, therefore Africans were called "incomplete" people.

Reasons why People Practice Racism

Not one person is born a racist. Racism is a learned act. For instance, the fear that some races pose a danger, whether to the welfare of the community or the nation may trigger racial discrimination. Despite the fight against racism a small minority of individuals still believe that some ethnic groups are superior to others.

There are various reasons why people may have racist approaches. For example, the different opinions of people surrounding us. It is likely obvious that we take up what people say about a specific ethnic group and let it shape our views about a particular group (Krishnamurthy). Hanging around persons "like us" is another possible reason; many people will tend to enjoy the company of those they share the same origin, language, interests, and background. The company of people sharing a common origin creates a sense of being in the right place. A familiar environment has a shortcoming in that it can bring about differences among other groups and thus lead to some individuals thinking that a particular group is inferior or superior to others. Krishnamurthy indicates that ignorance can also lead to racism. Racial discrimination is not always hateful. At times the damage of racism may be unintentional since one may not be aware.

Areas Prone to Racism

All areas are prone to racism. Racism can happen anywhere. According to Krishnamurthy schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces are among the most susceptible areas of racial discrimination. Other areas include sports areas, public transport joints and shops among others. The media has also been shown to depict racism. For example, portraying ethnic groups in a contrary manner in a news broadcast. Offensive commentaries, videos, memes, cyber-racism on social avenues like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have also had a significant influence on the development of racialist attitudes.

Persons Vulnerable to Racism

Anyone is prone to racial discrimination. However, some groups of people are more vulnerable. Individuals living in poverty is one of them (Hugman, Eileen, and Linda 1271-1287). Lantos argues that poverty, marginalization, economic disparities, underdevelopment and social exclusion, are said to be linked to racism as per the World Conference against Racism in Durban in 2001 (31). The conference emphasized that these factors positively influence the persistence of racial discrimination attitudes which consequently create poverty. According to Lantos, the United Nation (UN) defines poverty as a "vicious cycle" brought about by lack of resources and opportunities to enable people to meet their daily necessities or appreciate social privileges (31).

The 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing acknowledged that many women do not enjoy their privileges because of extra barriers like language, faith, incapacity, economic class or as a result of migration or being refugees (Lantos 31). People from the African origin are another susceptible group. The main reason behind this being enslavement and colonization. Research shows that racism has seen to the downgrading of Africans in many phases of life and thus making to them suffer marginalization and poverty (Hugman, Eileen and Linda 1271-1287). Africans are frequently disadvantaged, for instance, access to education, markets, expertise, loans, and health-care.

Migrants are another group of people who also experience racial injustice. Migrants undergo assimilation into the economy as well as the society of the country they relocate to. Nevertheless, those employed as casual laborers and those working in the irregular sector, are frequently amidst the most susceptible. Several migrants have a difficult time when it comes to matters like enjoying economic, social and cultural rights (Hugman, Eileen and Linda 1271-1287). Discrimination arises in cases regarding accommodation, education, work, welfare or social safety. Specific human rights policies need to be implemented to help govern international migration and guarantee the protection of all migrants and their families.

Racism as a Menace

Every negative action has adverse effects on the people on the receiving end. Racial discrimination brings about harm to those on the receiving end. It not only influences the individuals but also to the community at large. Studies indicate that undergoing racism has profound consequences on the individual's health and wellbeing (Thompson-Miller, Ruth and Joe 106-115). Anger, depression, sadness, anxiety are some of the effects one might experience. At times people may opt to withdraw from their workstations or study. People who withstand racism can be me made to feel less about themselves. In diverse nations, racism creates a hostile environment where people neither trust nor respect one another. Racial injustice challenges the society's standards of equality.

Despite the advances to stop racial discrimination in our society, it is still a problem. Some current occasions indicate that racism still occurs in our world. In America for instance, statistics from the criminal system suggest that racial discrimination remains in our society. Research illustrates that in every 3 African American males one faces imprisonment during their life, but only 1 out of 17 American men experience detention. (African Americans are mostly arrested in America unlike the Americans despite having committed the same crime) Blacks are more likely to be searched for drug possession (Lee). Statistics also reveal that Whites abuse drugs more than blacks, but blacks are most likely to be arraigned in court for drug use. These pieces of evidence show the continuing inequity in our correction centers (Lee). "Stop and frisk" is another example of racial bias in America. This policy was enacted by the NYPD (New York Police Department) to allow them to stop and inquire about drugs or arms from the pedestrians. The police unit stops a lot of individuals on the streets, but most of them occur to be African Americans, which raises the issue of ethnic profiling.

Racism in the Present Century and How It Can Be Resolved

A modern society ought to do away with the past menaces for sustained development. A lot has been underway to counteract racism currently. Racism originates from the incorrect belief that one culture or race is superior. The world consists of over six billion individuals. They have the potential to find the solutions to the racism threat. It only requires an agreement on a few perspectives like understanding the togetherness of humankind, believing that racial discrimination can be eradicated, adopting union in diversity and identifying that people have different capabilities to solve this issue.

Educating people would play a significant role in this fight against racism. Teaching how it comes about, the effects, and why it is essential to abolish it will allow people to have a different perspective. In-depth opinions come from people we identify and love. When educated, guardians, teachers, organizations, and business holders will understand togetherness, and once these standards become sustainable associations, there will be a positive effect to the eradication of racial injustice (Davis 44). Racial discrimination and culture scarcity are closely linked. Failure to understand the other people's background will lead to anxiety and avoidance.

The current research data about the difference in healthcare, education, employment opportunities, violence and youth crime indicate that racism is still deeply rooted in our society (Davis 44). People have to advocate for oneness always to help accomplish this battle against racism. Cultural diversity is vital. No one should allow another person to discriminate against another because of their place of origin, color, gender, socioeconomic status or any other factor. To resolve these issues, people need to make reforms in these organizations where racism seems to be perpetuating besides aiming at changing the attitudes and peoples behaviors. These structures will prevail not until individuals see the realism of the matter from a different angle.

Conclusion

With the current research indicating the continuity of racism in the world, the need to advocate for an end to racial discrimination is paramount. Not only will advocating to stop racism motivate people to fight racial injustice but it will also make people develop skills that promote togetherness. Ensuring that suggested reforms against racial discrimination are adhered to will bring a positive change to the organizations.

Works Cited

Davis, Sharon E. "The oneness of humankind: Healing racism today." Reclaiming Children and Youth 18.4 (2010): 44.

Hugman, Richard, Eileen Pittaway, and Linda Bartolomei. "When 'do no harm'is not enough: The ethics of research with refugees and other vulnerable groups." The British Journal of Social Work 41.7 (2011): 1271-1287.

Krishnamurthy, Ramesh. "Ethnic, racial and tribal: The language of racism?." Texts and Practices. Routledge, 2013. 137-157.

Lantos, Tom. "The Durban Debacle: An Insider's View of the UN World Conference Against Racism." Fletcher F. World Aff. 26 (2002): 31.

Lee, Jenny. "International student experiences: Neo-racism and discrimination." International Higher Education 44 (2015).

Thompson-Miller, Ruth, and Joe R. Feagin. "Continuing injuries of racism: Counseling in a racist context." The Counseling Psychologist 35.1 (2007): 106-115.

Van den Berghe, Pi...