Question

The readings for today discuss some negative impacts of racism on minorities and their families. What are the challenges of responding effectively to racism in one’s everyday life? Can you compare/contrast some strategies for response and what outcomes tend to result?

Answer 1

Racism is discriminating people on the basis of their skin color, and physical appearances. This is a socially constructed concept as it has no biological background to it, that is, genetically all races of this earth share the same genetic materials and there isn't any significant difference that would explain why people look different from each other. The concept of racial discrimination came into existence is when Eurpoeans dominated the countries of the world, and when they considered themselves to be themselves to be superior race, and the rest as the inferior ones. The practice of racism has severe negative impacts on the individuals and families that belong to the race that is considered as inferior, the few impacts are:

• Low self esteem:: The individuals who are discriminated forms a low opinion about themselves, are easily shattered and have less confidence in themselves. Thus, they have less self worth and self esteem.
• Stress: People who are racially discriminated on a daily basis are under constant stress and develop several stress related physical and psychological issues in their life.
• The families belonging to minorities exposed to racial discrimination faces problems of economic instability, alcoholism and substance abuse, chances of family members to engage in criminal activities as a reaction to this discrimination, , and develop a hostile attitude towards the dominant majority race.
• Families and individuals belonging race gets unequal opportunities in access to health services available in the country.
• The school dropout rates among minorities are higher than compared to the dominant majority because of the various forms of discrimination that are faced in schools.
• Racial discrimination give rise to tensions and conflicts between the majority and minorities, which disrupts the social harmony and social progress of the society.

Racial discrimination creates discontent among the individuals of minorities who face discrimination,this leads to tension between the two groups. They develop hostility and aggresssion towards the dominant majority. This enlarges the gap between the two groups, challenging positive and effective responses to racism. Facing racism on a daily basis hinders an effective response to it, as it prevents the concerns to bring it on right platform to be addressed. For effective respond strategies it is important to address the subtle and concrete forms of racism more openely and directly without indulging in aggressive reaction. It's important to bring into the knowledge of perpetrators of racism, who may practice it consciously or unconsciously that one is not going to take it, and help them to understand that how difficult is it to deal with this probem on a daily basis.