Racism in Our Society Essay - 1438 Words

The renowned French sociologist Emile Durkheim (1897/1951) asserted in his groundbreaking tome Suicide: A Study in Sociology, education â€Å"is only the image and reflection of society. It imitates and reproduces the latter in abbreviated form; it does not create it† (p. 372). The statements, therefore, of Nieto and Bode (2008) relative to the failure of our schools to provide all students regardless of their background or situation with equal and unbiased educational opportunities is an indictment of the society in which these schools exist. The ideals of the American democratic society are equal rights and equal opportunities for all people regardless of their creed, color, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or gender. Unfortunately, we†¦show more content†¦Cultural racism is demonstrated by persons who hold that White cultural norms and values are superior to those of other cultures. This can be seen in many areas including emotional styles, linguistic expression, music, art, and religion (D’Andrea Daniels, 2007). Institutional racism, on the other hand, is the â€Å"collective failure of institutions to provide appropriate and professional services to people because of their color, culture, or ethnicity (Carmichael Hamilton, 1967 as cited in Gonzà ¡lez, 2007). Some of the educational manifestations of institutional racism include culturally-based testing, culturally biased curriculum, and lack of ethnic diversity in administration and faculty positions (D’Andrea Daniels, 2007). The vignette on Rashaud Kates illustrates cultural racism. Kates noted that, â€Å"There’s not really any stories [sic] or literature about African Americans in our school† (Nieto Bode, 2008, p. 104). He became discouraged with the literature he had to study because it did not reflect his culture, heritage, or historical experiences (Nieto Bode, 2008). Linda Howard’s story gives evidence of individual and institutional. She faced individuals who tried to force her into their molds of what she should be; they insisted that she was either Black or White (as the case may be) and then expected her to act in certain ways or be considered not authentically Black or White. She had to deal with the White woman at work whoShow MoreRelatedRacism And Its Effect On Our Society1001 Words   |  5 Pagesgeneration to generation, our society undergoes change. Things that would be considered abnormal or strange in the past are most likely now accepted or praised, at the very least tolerated. One thing that should never be tolerated however, is rudeness. Civility is in a decline in our nation and the evidence is all around us. In fact, 79% of Americans feel rudeness has reached epidemic proportions and is now a serious national problem. (Public Agenda) Rudeness is everywhere. It’s in our schools, workforceRead MoreRacism s Impact O n Our Society1625 Words   |  7 PagesRacism’s Impact on Our Society In Kiese Laymon’s â€Å"My Vassar College Faculty ID Makes Everything OK†, he cites many examples of pieces of racism that he witnessed in Poughkeepsie, New York, a small town in New York on the Hudson River. This town is the last place where the stereotypes suggest racism lives, a wealthy small town in the northeast United States. Kiese Laymon looks at the experiences of black and brown people in America to highlight the effects of racism in their everyday lives. WhileRead MoreRacism in Our Society Essay examples1068 Words   |  5 PagesRacism in Our Society Race relations are becoming increasingly important in our civilization. Despite this increasing importance, the question, Is our society racist? is commonly debated. After investigating this subject, it is evident to me that American society is racist. There are various definitions of both racism and society. It is important to clearly define these terms when addressing such a controversial and emotional issue. Racism is defined by Merriam-Webster as a beliefRead MoreRacism Is A Major Part Of Our Society1245 Words   |  5 PagesSociety has a huge impact on how we live our lives everyday. It shapes the way our world works and functions. There are many components that make it work like it does. Some are good and some are bad but either way they each are big influences on the way we live. Racism is a major part of our time. Even though it has died down, and slavery has been abolished it is just as big and important as ever. Racism is an actual thing that happens to shape our society. Some things are not specific actions, butRead MoreRacism Is Still A Prominent Part Of Our Society1070 Words   |  5 Pagesrights and equality, but racism is still a prominent part of our society. b. In Clint Smith’s â€Å"How to raise a black son in America† and VernÄ  Myers â€Å"How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them† they discuss very bravely and boldly the problems African Americans face in our society. c. Thesis statement: African American people have been oppressed and treated poorly as individuals due to the color of their skin, but through understanding and education we can eliminate racism. II. Body ParagraphRead MoreThe Concept of Racism and Abuse of Power in Our Society Essay3148 Words   |  13 PagesPaper Introduction This paper will use the movie Crash (Haggis,  2005)  to examine the concept of racism and abuse of power in our society. Haggis demonstrates how everyone’s lives are intertwined and how the powerfully destructive impact of racist views impede ones ability to function justly. Madeline Leningers theory on transcultural nursing along with the RNAO guidelines and an article called Racism and Its Implications in Ethical-Moral Reasoning in Nursing Practice: A tentative approach to a largelyRead MoreRacism At The United States926 Words   |  4 Pagesjudgmental towards each other based on the complexion of another person’s skin. It is now 2015, and racism is still a big factor in our country. So, why does racism still exist after all these year? Racism will always be the thorn in our sides that keeps our country from truly accepting our differences and our opinions or lifestyles. African Americans are the most targeted racial group when it comes to racism in America beca use defiance and hatred for black people is an essential part of Euro/AmericanizedRead MoreRacism : An Integrated Part Of Modern Society1200 Words   |  5 PagesRacism is a belief that one race is superior to the other or the practice of treating a person or group of people differently on the basis of their race. Racism has been an integrated part of ancient world and is still vastly present in modern society. The ideas of racism are embedded into society, without fault it is part of our national character. Country’s deny their racism; however, views of racism are ingrained into every society. Racism is still largely prevalent in society. There is a constantRead MoreRacism in the Twenty-First Century888 Words   |  4 PagesRacism in the 21st Century As the 2008 presidential election proceeded to break racial barriers in America, many people have come to believe that racism in America no longer exists since we now have a Black president. However, This could not be anything further from the truth. When many people think of racism, they think of blunt discriminatory actions made against people of color. Thoughts of segregation and the Ku Klux Klan probably come to mind when people envision what racism may look like.Read MoreThe Red Summer Of 19191038 Words   |  5 Pageskilled than the amount of people being killed in the Chicago race riots. Fighting was happening all over our country. We were killing one another because of the hatred towards racism. â€Å"The Red Summer of 1919 refers to a series of race riots that took place between May and October of that year. Although riots occurred in more than thirty cities throughout the United States, the bloodiest events were in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Elaine, Ark.† (Retrei ved from the About Education website : http://afroamhistory