Question

Discuss the potential social consequences of solving the problem of Racism from an Individualistic perspective rather than approaching it as a Societal or Structural problem. Be sure to ground your answer.

Answer 1

People are the products of their environment and racism is one of the most important things that would shape people’s beliefs about society and their attitudes. This would mean that discrimination based on racism would prevent people from developing a positive attitude towards others and the society. People learn through symbolic interactionism from others through which people would form their attitudes, beliefs and values. However, trying to solve racism from an individualistic perspective would force people not to realize the fact that it’s a social problem. It’s a larger force which influence the opportunities and treatment of others which would mean that individuals who are satisfied with their own better life would prevent them from joining a larger force to fight the racial inequality. Finally, it would prevent people from viewing the institutional racism that discriminates minority people from education, employment, housing, healthcare etc.

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