Exposing Systemic Racism: The Lasting Impact of Racial Discrimination in the US

Abstract

Argument on Racial Discrimination in the United States. Various researchers have tackled racial discrimination affirming that racial discrimination is real and deeply rooted in American Society. The pain of living in a racist community is excruciating; a place you call home turns up to be ridicule to your future and stay, yet you have no place to express your grievances. The hallmarks of American democracy have been tested when it comes to racism. African Americans have faced rejection and denial of their freedoms and rights and faced the trauma of living lives of solitude and dissatisfaction. Racial discrimination has put the health of racial minorities at risk. Many health conditions and psychological conditions affecting African Americans are associated with the torture inflicted by racism. Discrimination has become a health issue. Racism has been camouflaged yet a painful situation that one cannot ignore. The whites perform racists acts without resonating that they are attacking their fellows. They assume what is dangerous as normalities of life when their counterparts are hurting. The tremendous psychological and torturous impacts of biasness and discrimination have not been documented. It has remained a silent issue even among the right-minded in society. “Racial discrimination is the most prevalent form of injustice that is a threat in society today, leading to social discrimination and inequality.” Structural racism has influenced the existence of racial prejudice and segregation in American Society. The journey of freedom from the pangs of racism began long ago, yet today the menace still entangles The American people. We have seen the Civil Rights Act of 1964 open the doors of freedom and racial discrimination prohibited in schools, and employment yet today, we watch the sad news of police brutality in the nation. The police are lynching black men without cause and find a way to get away. Where is democracy the greatest nation on earth? Where is humanity? The manifestation of this ill aspect of structural racism has been seen recently in the lynching of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery in the spotlight by the American police. According to (Schwartz), the murder of George Floyd was an illustration of two significant trends in American society; the blatant racism that is deeply rooted in American society and police brutality based on race. The word was not silent; after the death of George Floyd through police brutality, it emanated protests and concern worldwide. Civilians held posters high to advocate for intervention. Posters depicted information that shows racism is deeply rooted in the country. This is enough evidence that racism is not a sham or a hoax; it is real. Structural racism surrounds American political, social and economic life and has existed for a long time. Institutional racism exists in American schools and courts. According to (Daniel), “the intent doctrine requires the victims of discrimination to prove intention to discriminate to get justice, contrary to the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).” The government has not exercised fully what is addressed in article 2 of CERD, which vehemently addresses issues on racial discrimination. The perverse act of discrimination has been influenced immensely by the discriminatory and dehumanizing laws and policies that have evolved generation after generation, yet the government is skeptical. The criminal justice system in the US also contributes significantly to discrimination. Mass incarceration is the order of the day for African Americans. When they are released from custody, their IDs are shattered, and they cannot build their lives further as they are denied the freedom to meet their daily needs through employment. This is the pain of living in America as black. Unfortunately, learning as a black in the United States is tedious. According to (Wun), “Black boys are almost three times more likely to be suspended than white boys, and black girls are four times more likely to be suspended than white girls.” In schools, racism is subtle; the students of colour feel like aliens in predominantly white schools. They are encouraged not to apply to league schools that are deemed too high for their reach. Students of color are likely to be expelled in schools compared to blacks. The issue of racial discrimination in our schools is rampant and is negatively affecting student performance. This is a degradation to the country’s economy and the future of the nation. Racial discrimination has a root cause. The government responds to the outcomes of prejudice but does not ascertain the root causes of these inequalities. The Original sin of racism in American society is slavery. It perpetuated a generation catastrophe that has seen had African Americans treated as second-class citizens. It is eating away the peace and health of the African Americans in a concealing ad subtle manner. Everybody is silent and assuming racism. The Good people who are against discrimination are not addressing the issue. They are maintaining silence about it. Martin Luther King said, “in the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.” Racism is not spoken about, and nobody addresses the societal habits seen in the limelight, fueling racism. Stereotyping of African Americans to certain beliefs promotes racism. They are easily susceptible to criminal activities and smugglers of drugs. According to (Burt et al.), “there is a linkage between race, discrimination and crime.” Racial discrimination has seen African Americans battle self-esteem issues and identity issues since they are painted criminals in the eyes of the right-minded people of society. This perception lures African Americans to substance abuse and criminal activities. Most Americans believe that showing love and enacting patriotism reduces discrimination. Donald Trump once alluded that there is no room for prejudice when we open our hearts for patriotism (Mukařovský). His statement is disputable as the most patriotic individuals have been seen perpetuating racism among the American People; hence leadership...