Ideology Research Paper

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 Abstract

This article explores the origins of racism, its consequences on society, and strategies for
overcoming it. A view that one race or ethnicity is superior to another is referred to as racism. It
shows up as prejudice or discrimination against people because of their race or ethnicity. Racism
has an impact on people's daily lives by making them feel inferior, undesired, and fearful.
Affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act are only two examples of the steps used to combat
racism. Legislation that encourages racism, such as those requiring voter ID and English-only
laws, do exist, though. By evaluating our preconceptions and increasing our awareness of other
cultures, we may combat racism. By making adjustments to institutions like the legal system,
housing, labor market, and educational system, we must also combat systematic racism.
Definition

The notion that one race or ethnicity is superior to another is referred to as racism. It may

manifest as prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their racial or ethnic

heritage. Institutional practices and regulations that restrict the opportunities and resources

accessible to particular groups can also serve to perpetuate racism (Schmid, 1996). Racism

affects people on a daily level by making them feel inferior, frightened, and unwelcome. It may

also result in diminished life expectancy, ill health, and financial instability.

Historical perspective of Racism

Racism has a protracted and convoluted past. It traces back to the era of slavery when

white people justified keeping black people as slaves by asserting their superiority over them.

White Europeans' belief that they had a right to conquer and rule non-white peoples contributed

to racism, which was a factor in the colonization of many nations. Since the country's

beginnings, when Native Americans were forcibly relocated and enslaved Africans were brought

over as forced labor, racism has been pervasive in the United States (Khenti, 2016). Asian

immigrants were frequently the targets of racism in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Racism has

evolved in recent years to include new manifestations like Islamophobia and anti-immigrant

attitudes.

There are several instances of racism nowadays. One is the way that African Americans

are treated by police enforcement. According to studies, African Americans are most frequently

than Whites to be questioned, inspected, and detained by police, even though they are not more

inclined to participate in criminal activity. Another illustration is how Muslims are frequently

handled in the wake of terrorist incidents, even though the majority are not terrorists. White
nationalists, who think that white people should rule over other racial groups politically and

socially because they are better for them, are another emerging trend.

Whose needs were (are) served by advancing this form of oppression

Racism has long been invoked to defend prejudice and violence against particular racial

and ethnic groups. It has previously been used to defend slavery and colonialism. These days, it

is frequently used to defend racism, anti-immigrant attitudes, and Islamophobia. Racism helps

people who consider their race or ethnicity to be superior to others (Jernigan et al., 2010). It also

serves the interests of those in positions of authority who may use racism to ostracize and

oppress particular groups of people.

policies that are pertinent to this "ism. both adverse and favorable

To counter racism, several measures have been implemented. The first is affirmative

action, which aims to boost minorities' representation in both schools and the workforce. The

Voting Rights Act is another, which shields minority voters from prejudice. Additionally, some

laws penalize those who attack others due to their race or ethnicity (Alvarez & Brehm, 1997). On

the other side, some laws support racism, such as English-only laws that prohibit the use of

languages other than English in public settings and voter ID laws that make it more difficult for

minorities to vote. Positive legislation includes affirmative action as well as the Voting Rights

Act, which both aim to combat racism. Negative legislation includes voter ID restrictions and

English-only regulations, both of which support racism.

Concerns relating to this kind of oppression include social and economic justice, diversity,

communities in danger, and values and ethics.

 Racism is linked to a variety of social and economic justice concerns. One is the frequent

segregation of minorities into impoverished areas with subpar employment opportunities,

housing, and educational opportunities. This adds to a vicious cycle of poverty that is difficult to

escape. The pay difference between whites and minorities is another problem. Even after

adjusting for variables like education and experience, studies have found that minorities receive

less pay than whites for performing the same tasks (Mitchell & Lynch, 2003). This causes racial

disparities in the economy.

When addressing racism, diversity is a crucial problem as well. A lack of variety can

result in miscommunication and animosity against those who are different from us. Additionally,

it may make it more difficult for people of various ethnicities to communicate with one another.

Another factor to take into account while discussing racism is populations at risk. Groups that are

subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice are more likely to face ill health, violence, as well as

poverty.

Discussions on racism also involve values and ethics. Many individuals think that all

people, regardless of color or ethnicity, should be treated equally. Those who deem a group to be

inferior can think it is OK to discriminate against them. These principles can affect how we view

and address racial issues.

We can fight racism in several different ways. Individually, we may become more aware

of various cultures, examine our prejudices and presumptions, confront bigotry when we

encounter it, and support politicians whose platforms advance racial justice. We must confront

systemic racism on a broader social level by making changes to institutions like the criminal

justice system, housing, employment, and education. Additionally, we must expand the presence
of people of color in positions of authority and provide greater opportunities for them in all

facets of society.
 Reference

Alvarez, R. M., & Brehm, J. (1997). Are Americans ambivalent towards racial

policies? American journal of political science, 345-374.

Jernigan, M. M., Green, C. E., Helms, J. E., Perez-Gualdron, L., & Henze, K. (2010). An

examination of people of color supervision dyads: Racial identity matters as much as

race. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 4(1), 62.

Khenti, A. (2016). A historical perspective on racism. In Perspectives on racism and the human

services sector (pp. 51-92). University of Toronto Press.

Mitchell, J., & Lynch, R. S. (2003). Beyond the rhetoric of social and economic justice:

Redeeming the social work advocacy role. Race, Gender & Class, 8-26.

Schmid, W. T. (1996). The definition of racism. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 13(1), 31-40.