Racism in the South Racism will never die. It is deep ingrained in the history of the human race. The South, however, is very much known for racial antipathy because of slavery and segregation. There are some who feel that the lower region of America bears more hatred between the races. In my opinion, Southern racism has not been destroyed, but it has been transformed in a way that is more in line with the attitudes of the rest of the U.S. Denying the existence of racism or believing that blacks have a since of entitlement is all apart of what is known as symbolic racism, which has replaced former extreme discriminatory behavior, like segregation (Cottam, Dietz-Uhler, Mastors, Preston 170). Racial inequality has changed over the years in
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People who are racist adhere to these maladaptive thoughts because the South has a history of racial tension. Racial separatists groups, such as the KKK began in the South, and at the time, they were socially accepted. The ideals that they spread became schemas for the majority of people of that time. Many of those people went on to have children and shared these schemas that later became stereotypes. As we evolved as a people, it became less acceptable to be openly bigoted. However, those with extreme bigotry merely internalized their beliefs and held on to stereotypes. This may be why it is hard for some to empathize with an out-group’s discomfort. For instance some may feel that blacks that are against the Confederate flag are always quick to call something racist if it has little relationship to them. It is important to note that not all separatist groups evolved in the south, nor are they based there. For example, separatist groups can be found in most prison systems throughout the country. The Black Panthers were formed in New York. Separatists groups also have media outlets that allow them to reach those all over the country, therefore negative attitudes towards races can be influenced everywhere …show more content…
The violent past of the South may have left some feeling contempt, a feeling of superiority and detachment from other races. For some there may even be some disgust, leading them to believe an out-group is bound to destroy the world as we know it (52). These emotions can be found across the nation because of our various media and social media outlets. The knowledge of racial tensions causes people to form varying opinions that then lead to tension within that area. For example, though all Americans were not present in New York during 9/11, it still led to some people forming strong attitudes and anger towards those of Islamic faith upon discovering via news outlets. The L.A. riots of the 1990s were due to pent up racial tension, and the assault on Rodney King also drew emotions from those who were not in California. I think that racial prejudice has greatly declined compared to the days of Jim Crow. The South is highly Christian, and I think many people realized that the beliefs of old did not line up with a religion that promotes peace and justice. I do not, however, believe that negative attitudes are entirely diminished, as with the case in South Carolina. Shortly after the removal of the confederate flag, both white and black separatist groups gathered at the state building to protest (separately, of course!) and a few fights broke
People who are racist adhere to these maladaptive thoughts because the South has a history of racial tension. Racial separatists groups, such as the KKK began in the South, and at the time, they were socially accepted. The ideals that they spread became schemas for the majority of people of that time. Many of those people went on to have children and shared these schemas that later became stereotypes. As we evolved as a people, it became less acceptable to be openly bigoted. However, those with extreme bigotry merely internalized their beliefs and held on to stereotypes. This may be why it is hard for some to empathize with an out-group’s discomfort. For instance some may feel that blacks that are against the Confederate flag are always quick to call something racist if it has little relationship to them. It is important to note that not all separatist groups evolved in the south, nor are they based there. For example, separatist groups can be found in most prison systems throughout the country. The Black Panthers were formed in New York. Separatists groups also have media outlets that allow them to reach those all over the country, therefore negative attitudes towards races can be influenced everywhere …show more content…
The violent past of the South may have left some feeling contempt, a feeling of superiority and detachment from other races. For some there may even be some disgust, leading them to believe an out-group is bound to destroy the world as we know it (52). These emotions can be found across the nation because of our various media and social media outlets. The knowledge of racial tensions causes people to form varying opinions that then lead to tension within that area. For example, though all Americans were not present in New York during 9/11, it still led to some people forming strong attitudes and anger towards those of Islamic faith upon discovering via news outlets. The L.A. riots of the 1990s were due to pent up racial tension, and the assault on Rodney King also drew emotions from those who were not in California. I think that racial prejudice has greatly declined compared to the days of Jim Crow. The South is highly Christian, and I think many people realized that the beliefs of old did not line up with a religion that promotes peace and justice. I do not, however, believe that negative attitudes are entirely diminished, as with the case in South Carolina. Shortly after the removal of the confederate flag, both white and black separatist groups gathered at the state building to protest (separately, of course!) and a few fights broke