Race and Racism Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Racism, according to Webster’s New American Dictionary, is a belief that some races are superior to others. ‘Racism’ is the most frequently occurring word in American History. Deep roots of racism appear in the very foundation of American society. Racism is a socially constructed policy in America. Members of the superior group in America have nurtured various frustrations in order to achieve political, economic and social success dominance over the inferior racial groups. Several problems related to racial discrimination have haunted the nation. Several conflicts have arisen out of the issue. It is not easy to forget what happened in the town of Rosewood (Florida) in the year 1922. It is one of the most shameful chapters in the history of America. Approximately 150 black people were assassinated by a white lynch group (from Sumner, the neighboring town) as a white lady falsely claimed that she was assaulted by a black man. Black people were suppressed to the cor e and were not given any privilege in the society. Discrimination prevailed in schools, job places, government offices and in all institutions (Theil & Finizza, 1971). We will write a custom essay sample on Race and Racism or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Black people’s children were not given admission in white people’s schools and were not allowed to share anything with them. Society became a playground of discrimination. Blacks were not given any freedom and were forbidden from entering white majority areas. Another example of racial classification is the housing segregation that prevails in US. Housing segregation still remains as a big problem in United States. Black-white segregation persists in its highest form in the nation. People with dark skin (Negro) are considered untouchables and are treated badly by their black counterparts. Blacks are found to be driven to the worse neighborhoods compared to white people of similar economic and social standing. Blacks are deprived of good residential places and live in backward areas having big crime rates. Blacks are not able to find good residential location as a result of strong social forces that bring about discrimination and favoritism in real estate and mortgage lending practices also (Charles, 1955). Segregation is found as the fundamental reason of scarcity and backwardness in black African Americans. Despite of the positive steps taken at the Civil Rights movement, reducing rate of housing segregation is found to be very slow. Ci ties are geographically divided according to these racial bounds. Segregation has resulted in the creation of a less privileged group residing in low class areas, who are deprived of good educational and employment opportunities.