Racism In Society Essay, Research Paper

Race relations are becoming increasingly important in our civilization. Despite this increasing importance, the question, Is our society racist? is commonly debated. After investigating this subject, it is evident to me that American society is racist.

There are various definitions of both racism and society. It is important to clearly define these terms when addressing such a controversial and emotional issue. Racism is defined by Merriam-Webster as a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race or racial prejudice or discrimination . The latter of these two definitions is what I will use as my working definition. The second term, society , is defined by Merriam-Webster as a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests. My working definition for this paper, however, is the American population as a whole . When a topic as substantial as racism in society is discussed, all Americans must be taken into consideration.

Under these definitions, racial influences have played a large part in the formation of America today. Racism as defined in the above paragraph, has existed ever since the independence of America in 1776. In fact, racism was acceptable and often the normal way of life in society. An obvious sign of this was that slavery was growing in this new country. Violence against black slaves was only a part of the racism happening in America. Along with this, there was heavy fighting between those trying to expand America s territory and the Native Americans already settled in these territories. Hundreds of thousands of people died because of racist feelings toward the other group.

Racism continued into the mid 1860 s when the Civil War took place. The Civil War itself took place in large part because of racism via slavery. Although the side favoring an end to slavery won the war, this heightened racism in many ways. No longer in control of the black population in the South, many white landowners hate towards blacks grew. They could not handle that blacks might actually be considered human. This rage led to violent lynching and murders. Although slavery was ended by means of the Civil War, violent acts against blacks in the south continued.

The racism following the Civil War continued well into the 20th century. By the 1950 s, discrimination had become such a problem in society that politicians became greatly involved in trying to equalize the rights of minorities with those of the majority. This effort for equality by politicians furthered hate and suffering for minorities in America. Incidents such as the bombing in Mississippi and the burning of many black churches in the South spread throughout much of America. Finally, by 1964, minorities were granted equal rights in society. These equal rights, however, were in writing only and not strictly enforced. Racism continued to fester in various areas of America.

The spread of racism has continued into present society. Church burnings in the South continue despite society s self-proclaimed tolerance of minorities. Along with these acts of hate, there are numerous hate groups that continue to publicly attack minority groups in America. A larger number of racists today would not even consider themselves such. The racism society is affected with today are stereotyping and prejudice. Although this type of racism is not often physical or as obvious, this racism can be just as dangerous and as powerful.

Throughout history much of this problem of racism in society can be traced from previous generation s influence on their children. The generational influence is best explained by the thought that children are not born with genetic makeup that predetermines them to be racist. This prejudice is taught to the children by either their parents, families or the environment they grow up in. In this respect, history is found to have a substantial amount of influence on how our society today works and operates. Although we as a society have obviously changed our beliefs from the extremes of slavery, we have kept racial segregation quite intact. Whether or not our thoughts are because of this environmental aspect or not, segregation definitely occurs in society.

All one must do is look at the structure of any major American city. In any of these cities one will find a black area, a Jewish area, an Italian area, and so on. It is suggested that this happens because people of the same culture feel more comfortable together. This comfortableness with one group and not with another is a form of racism. Group members are therefore prejudiced against groups outside of their own. It has been proven that the first thing a child is taught is often what their beliefs will become. Understanding this concept, it is quite clear that the racist thoughts white slave owners had in the 1700 s would be passed down to their children and that the hate slaves had for their white owners would be passed down to their children as well. The result of this is a constant passing down of hate, which grows from one generation to the next. The southern part of the United States today is still thought of as racially biased. This belief would make sense if one considers that previous generations of the South were involved with slavery.

The passing on of racism through generations is not the only evidence of racism in America. A more scientific piece of evidence is found in the medical world. In 1990, the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association concluded that blacks were less likely than whites to receive certain treatments. The Council called for greater access to health care for African-Americans and for greater awareness among doctors of differences in treatment between blacks and whites. This conclusion by the American Medical Association is extremely alarming. The study went on to say that white male patients were given life saving medical treatment much more often than blacks and women. There was no medical reasoning behind any of these cases, which leaves racial prejudice the most probable cause. Doctors were not the only medical workers found to be guilty of practicing based on their prejudiced feelings, health care providers as well were found to favor white patients over non-white patients. It is quite obvious that the medical treatment one receives varies depending on one s race.

Along with racism in the medical world, another important public department in American has been found to be prejudiced. Public schooling in America continues to be highly segregated. Inner-city schools get less funding and less qualified teachers than many suburban and urban towns. Based on the financial biases already taking place against minority groups, many of them cannot afford to live anywhere but in the city, Because of this, minority groups continue to receive less education that most white students. This lack of education again hurts them when the minorities try to enter the work force, as they are rejected for higher educated applicants. This circle of events continues to act against minority groups in America.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that proves society is racist, there are people that think society is not racist. These people often claim that society is fairer than it has ever been and, therefore, it is not racist. Although it is true that, publicly, society has become more tolerant, it is not true that society is not racist. It does not matter how racist the society is, the point is that the society is still racist. Racism should not be measured; it is either present or it is not.

Racism is not always obvious to the public eye. Racism is passed down from generation to generation. It is in the minds of nearly all Americans in some way, whether it is; prejudice or stereotypes they have formed or an extreme hate for a certain race. Racism affects all of society, from the medical world to public schools. It is quite clear that American society is a racist society.