Individual discrimination involves two or more racial or ethnic groups in which the actions of one have an obviously harmful effect on the other. This form is often found in everyday American life and manifests itself, for example, in poor service in a store due to skin color (Sociology, 2016). The understanding of interpersonal racism goes beyond prejudice and stereotypes in society and focuses on acts of aggression against a particular person, for example, violence by a policeman against a black man. Institutional racism permeates the practice of the entire system and affects a large number of people just because of their race or ethnicity. However, it is worth noting that institutional discrimination, just like the other forms, may not always be intentional. For example, the height requirements for the police of the 1970s did not take into account that Latinos are lower than average non-Latino whites (Sociology, 2016). Thus, there is a strong need to deal not only with external forms of discrimination but also with deeper levels of it.
In order to practice allyship related to race, ethnicity, racism, and ethnocentrism, it is necessary to identify hidden and unconscious racism in oneself and one’s acquaintances. Since the needs of white people are automatically considered basic, each person should be able to recognize patterns in society that ignore the interests of minorities and at least be aware of them. Moreover, it is necessary to speak out openly against racism and help representatives of minorities in situations where their rights are infringed by direct or covert aggression. At the State level, it is necessary to attract the attention of higher management and authorities to the problem of racism through petitions and protests that will help make the voices of minorities noticeable.
Reference
Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World. (2016). University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing.