Introduction
Racism is a deeply rooted phenomenon and affects many people and communities globally. The issue has been manifested in society for centuries, causing memorable tragedies and alienation of marginalized communities. Despite progressive changes such as civilization, globalization, and gender equity in the modern world, issues regarding racism seem to make unremarkable progress. The concept has shifted from private to more public spheres where significant world powers are at the forefront of racism and racial discrimination. Since racism is becoming a primary global concern, it is vital to discuss the issue and obtain long-term solutions that may prevent further afflictions. This essay analyzes racism as a modern-day societal challenge and proposes policies and measures that may help curb the issue.
The Importance of Addressing Racism
When discussing global challenges, racism is a topic one cannot overlook. Since time, different ethnic groups and races have harbored hatred and hostility toward each other. Consequently, the dislike has stretched through generations, becoming a sore issue in the modern world (Roberts & Rizzo, 2020). Racism refers to discrimination or prejudice towards people of a particular race, color, or ethnic group, typically the marginalized communities and minority groups (Banton, 2018). Racists believe that people from particular populations have different characteristics and behaviors acquired through generations where the attributes separate a superior race from an inferior or ethnic group. Racial classification stems from color, body shape of various parts, and cultural traits (Macaluso, 2017). Thus, racists believe their race to be superior and deserving of more respect, privilege, and power than the other races resulting in racial oppression of the discriminated groups.
Discussions about racism are most prominent in America. Black people have been on constant guard since the country’s founding due to racism. However, research shows that the phenomenon is a global issue affecting numerous populations and communities, posing a worldwide concern (Lichtenberg, 2017). An outstanding aspect that is at stake due to racism is world peace. Racism threatens national and international peace, solidarity, and cohesion (Banton, 2018). The deep-rooted racial discrimination of blacks has resulted in a lot of despair and anger towards their white counterparts evoking a fragile relationship among the citizens. Recent killings of black people such as George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbury give a clear picture of the racial differences and discrimination in the United States (Macaluso, 2017). The resulting killing chaos led to more protests and violence between black people and their white counterparts, creating more rift between the two groups. A nation without peace can suffer instability and socioeconomic challenges, including democracy.
Consequently, racism in the United States affects numerous black communities globally, leading to unrest and conflict. In many countries, citizens became aware of racial injustice in their own countries and joined in protests against racism as a show of solidarity for black Americans’ racial discrimination (Roberts & Rizzo, 2020). Other instances of racism came to light globally, resulting in public demonstrations against racial injustice, prejudice, and racism. ‘Black Lives Matter’ became a slogan to show solidarity among black people and the importance of life regardless of race, color, or ethnicity (Lichtenberg, 2017). The impending factor regarding racism is feelings of Xenophobia resulting in individualism, apartheid, and alienation of people from countries with racism prevalence, such as the United States (Banton, 2018). Without world unity, the economic and social aspects will be significantly affected, resulting in economic strain, particularly among the discriminated and minority groups.
The justice system is another area at stake due to racism. The phenomenon has encroached into the local, national and international justice systems leading to injustice and immoral acts against minority groups. In America, black people get arrested more than white people and are more likely to get killed than a white person regardless of the crime or posing a weapon (George, 2021). The police department is controlled by white supremacy, causing racial oppression to citizens from minority groups. In liberal countries such as France, one might expect to face less racism due to the cosmopolitan nature of the citizens and the mythology of a color-blind society. However, racism is rampant where blacks and Arabic citizens face frequent racial discrimination. Like America, the justice system is notable for racism, where blacks and Arabic citizens face more police brutality than their white counterparts (George, 2021). Such instances call for global concern against racism to prevent injustice and uphold social order nationally and internationally.
Important Actors Against Racism and Their Interest
Racism has been a pressing subject drawing the attention of local, national, and international movements, leaders, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. United Nations is a major actor in measures to counter racism nationally and internationally. As an intergovernmental organization, it has the duty of overseeing and ensuring the comfortability of citizens in the member countries. The organization has advocated for racial equality and inclusion over the years and renews its effort to curb racism annually (Macaluso, 2017). The main agenda for mitigating racism includes protecting youth from linguistic minority groups against racial discrimination, modern forms of racism, Xenophobia, and other effects associated with racism.
Human Rights Watch is one of the non-governmental organizations intent on reducing and preventing racism. The organization focuses on racial discrimination issues in criminal justice, civil rights, and nationality. The watch is interested in ensuring refugee and migrant protection against racism by ensuring temporary citizenship and human rights to the populations (McLeod et al., 2017). Other actors include the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) and the National Association for the advancement of people of color (NAACP). IMADR is an international non-governmental organization whose interest lies in eliminating racism and promoting international solidarity among racially discriminated populations. NAACP is a national human rights organization whose focus is securing the economic, political, and social rights of people of color and reducing racial discrimination and its effects, such as violence.
Central Institutions Rules and Laws Pertaining Racism
Racial discrimination has brought awareness regarding inequality to opportunities and unfairness issues in central institutions, demanding the formulation of policies and regulations to reduce racism. During the Obama administration, numerous laws were implemented to prevent and reduce discrimination against minority groups and racial discrimination (Banton, 2018). The laws focused on the health sector, employment, education, loan acquisition, and housing. The law prohibits denying employment, job promotion, and a salary raise based on racial identity, ethnicity, or nationality (Carter & Scheuermann, 2019). Every citizen has a right to equal employment opportunities on merit, and employers must include all races in job requirements. Excluding a specific gender from the requirements and qualifications of a job is a criminal offense under the Federal Act of Equal Employment Opportunity (George, 2021). Thus, the government aims to prevent poor workplace treatment due to race, ethnicity, and nationality.
Conversely, the housing sector is not left out in issues regarding racism. According to the law, apartment owners and landlords are not allowed to lease and rent their property based on race (Carter & Scheuermann,2019). Black people and individuals from minority groups have a right to rent or buy apartments of their choice and affordability regardless of region. All citizens are allowed equal opportunity to mortgage loans and insurance coverage on housing under the Federal Fair Housing Act (George, 2021). Therefore, blacks and Hispanics are free to find accommodation where they deem suitable without interference based on color, ethnicity, or race.
Finally, the education sector is a distinct central institution significantly affected by racism. The law prohibits racial discrimination on the grounds of color, language, ethnicity, race, and nationality (McLeod et al., 2017). Schools and higher institutions are not allowed to have segregated classes and bias in including students from diverse races in extracurricular activities. The laws further pertain to punishing students of color more than their white counterparts and targeting black students for minor crimes leading to arrest. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination against people of color and different ethnicity concerning receiving government funds and engaging in all school activities (Carter & Scheuermann,2019). By protecting students, the government aims to promote harmony, cohesion, and integration of diverse races early, which could help reduce racial discrimination.
Recommended Policies and Solutions
Racism is an ingrained problem but preventable with practical policies encourage people to live beyond racial and ethnic identities. Society must have guidelines that embrace equality in all sectors of life, such as education, criminal justice, social networking, employment, and residential areas, to achieve a racist-free world. According to the Human Right Watch World Report of 2021, every person has a right to enjoy and exercise their rights, and governments should have public policies that prevent and reduce racism (George, 2021). One of the policies recommended in the report includes promoting an inclusive environment where people have freedom of expression and open discussion about superiority and race (George, 2021). The discussion can occur in community meetings, religious congregations, educational institutions, and public speeches to address racist issues. By speaking freely about race and supremacy, people can understand that humanity and superiority are not based on color since every life is valuable and holds equal importance in the world.
Another solution to racism is encouraging diversity and inclusion in educational centers, living areas, and the employment sector. Research shows that social segregation in terms of social and economic status and isolation of minority groups is a primary contributor to racism (McLeod et al., 2017). Due to the high socioeconomic gap between people of color and whites, the two groups seldom interact, creating beliefs of superiority and discrimination. Thus, encouraging inclusion in residential areas and diversity in employment and school can help reduce racism since the people can share their experiences, learn and adopt one another’s culture leading to a cohesive community. However, the government must ensure to bridge the socioeconomic gap which influences segregation to achieve the goal of inclusion and diversity.
Conclusion
Racism is an ingrained phenomenon born from stereotyping, prejudice, and societal assumptions that significant institutions shield. The phenomenon harms society and influences many aspects of minority groups and people of color, such as equal opportunities and exercising their civil rights. While this accounts for the effects of racism at a national level, a broader look into racism shows its threat to world peace and socioeconomic stability. Specifically, racism is the root cause of violence and conflict, which affects the discriminated populations as they become victims during protests and demonstrations to end racism. The concept has infiltrated significant areas such as the justice system, making it impossible to eradicate and find amicable solutions. Despite the policies for antiracism in central institutions, governments need more strategies to curb racism at the national, regional, and international levels.
References
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