Stereotypes Of Racial Groups In The United States

On one of the class appendix handouts (6B), there is a page labeled “definitions of general concepts 1” that has definitions pertaining to racism. This page defines racism as “a system of advantage based on race and supported by institutional structures, policies and practices that create and sustain advantages for the dominant white group while systematically subordinating members of targeted racial groups” (appendix 6B). This definition does not need further explanation because it is quite simple. Many people try to deny that this type of structure exists within the United States, but present day actions bares a majority of America’s prejudiced history. At some point in life, everyone has heard a stereotype about a racial group. Either …show more content…
However, there are several other types of groups and races that deal with similar issues and can relate to being targeted. For example, after 9/11, Arab-Americans were stereotyped as terrorists, and people tend to keep a careful eye on them in public. Another one is that women have to deal with not having a powerful impact as white men do. Even though those issues are important to focus on, racial issues are more prevalent, and the problem seems almost impossible to …show more content…
This was done during the 1960’s, but it was difficult because many people were racist. However, in today’s society allies are way easier to form. Several people believe in equal rights, and realize that racism is inhumane. A mistake that everyone frequently makes is ignoring America’s racist past. People think that it is easier not focusing on the negative pieces of society, and just moving forward. Little do these people know is that in order to progress, we have to take the past into consideration because those things did happen. Pretending as if racism does not exist will not solve anything, and will only show an individual’s white privilege. Planning is an important part of defeating racism, but taking action is even more important. Also, when people are conversing with each other, they must remember to respect one another. These uncomfortable conversations are necessary to have because people learn to communicate, listen, and explore their differences. I think that this is very important because without it, people will never get anywhere. Assumptions will continue to be made, and people’s racist mentalities will never change. This is a dangerous state for America to be in, but people must remember to attempt to change