An Overview of the Causes of Racism and Its Effects on Society

Cause and Effect: Racism

Racism is a pervasive social issue that involves discrimination based on an individual's race. While many people are familiar with the concept of racism, there is a lack of understanding regarding its true nature and the profound impact it has on individuals and society. Racism goes beyond mere discrimination, leading to a range of complex consequences that affect various aspects of life, including mental health, healthcare disparities, and systemic injustice within the legal system. This essay provides a comprehensive examination of the causes and effects of racism, highlighting the underlying factors that contribute to its persistence and the far-reaching implications it generates.

What are the Causes of Racism in America?

First of all, the media plays a significant role in shaping societal perceptions, and its portrayal of racial groups can perpetuate stereotypes and biases. In particular, African-Americans have often been depicted negatively in various forms of media, resulting in misconceptions about their character and perpetuating racial inequality. Studies on the representation of African-Americans in national broadcasting have revealed significant disparities, with limited positive representation and an overemphasis on negative stereotypes (Lichter & Robert, 1987). Such media portrayals contribute to the degradation of the status and perception of black individuals.

Next are institutional factors. Institutions, through their practices, policies, and social standing, contribute to the manifestation of racism. In the United States, the education system serves as an example where racial disparities exist. White students often have access to better-funded schools and higher-quality teaching compared to their minority counterparts (Moreland et al., 2007). This division perpetuates a lack of interaction between white and black students, fostering a hostile environment and widening the racial gap.

Thirdly, the perpetuation of racial disparities often arises from efforts to maintain the existing social order. In some instances, white communities establish restrictions to separate themselves from African-Americans, citing stereotypes that associate them with poverty, violence, and danger. Historical examples, such as discriminatory lending practices in the 1930s, resulted in white individuals being granted loans to leave African-American neighborhoods, further exacerbating social segregation (Harmon et al., June 13, 2020). These actions reinforce racial divisions and hinder social interactions between black and white communities.

Finally, historical beliefs and myths regarding the superiority of whites over blacks perpetuate ignorance and discrimination. These unfounded judgments, including assumptions of lower intelligence among black individuals, have a significant impact on economic opportunities and education, leading to widespread discrimination. Recognizing the equality and inherent capabilities of all individuals, regardless of their race or nationality, is essential for dismantling racist ideologies.

Effects of Racism

Racism holds a powerful authority to debase, degrade, and perpetrate violence against people of color (Hulteen & Wallis, 1992). The resulting trauma leaves individuals feeling hopeless, desperately seeking safety and survival. Racial harassment and discrimination cause lasting damage and give rise to racial trauma, which intensifies the negative effects of other social and psychological issues faced by people of color. Overcoming racial trauma requires education and treatment, encouraging affected individuals to critically examine the concept of race from a historical perspective.

Additionally, racism permeates the healthcare system, leading to numerous complications for affected patients. Black individuals, for instance, experience lower life expectancy, higher blood pressure rates, and inadequate access to vaccinations compared to their white counterparts. While external factors such as resources and income contribute to these disparities, racism plays a prevalent role in shaping healthcare outcomes. Biases among healthcare professionals, such as the belief that black people have higher pain tolerance, result in unequal treatment and neglect (Sherman et al., 2016). Racial disparities in emergency care, pregnancy-related deaths, and chronic illnesses further underscore the detrimental impact of racism on healthcare.

Furthermore, racial biases permeate every stage of the criminal justice system, perpetuating unfairness and inequity. Disproportionate representation of blacks and Latinos in prisons, despite constituting a smaller percentage of the overall population, demonstrates systemic racial bias. Racial disparities are evident in arrests for drug offenses, with black individuals more likely to face arrest despite similar rates of drug use among whites. Furthermore, people of color experience higher rates of engagement during searches, traffic stops, and juvenile encounters, along with longer sentences (Burgdorf, 2018). These injustices reveal the deep-seated biases within the criminal justice system.

Conclusion

Racism is a significant issue that has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Its effects extend beyond discrimination, encompassing trauma, healthcare disparities, and injustice within the legal system. Understanding the causes and effects of racism is crucial for addressing this pervasive problem and striving for a more equitable society. By challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for systemic change, we can dismantle the barriers created by racism and pave the way for a more just and harmonious future. It is imperative that we recognize the harmful impact of racism and work collectively to build a society that values equality, diversity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.