Race Relations Between Blacks And Whites In America
By Mybrotha.COM Staff Writer - March 1, 2006
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The state of relations between Blacks and Whites in the U.S. still suffers greatly, and a lack of recognition and understanding by the public and the federal government only exacerbates the problem. For decades, the U.S. government has been repeatedly accused of neglecting this problem by not properly addressing its components - which are oftentimes vividly played out in schools, on the streets, in the media, and in the workplace.
One of the loudest complaints by Americans is that Congress and the Federal Government have never waged war against racism. While billions of U.S. dollars are spent fighting terrorist regimes thousands of miles away, the government has allowed race relations within American communities to diminish. This isn't a predicament that calls for a "figure it out amongst yourselves", type of solution. It needs a targeted, effective solution strategy that the government should spearhead.
There is a rekindled White supremacy movement in the U.S., which completely discredits many sociologists who claim that racism no longer exists. These extremist groups, including the KKK and anti-government organizations, have seen a rapid increase in membership since September 11, 2001. Also, there are a number of Black and Hispanic gangs that advocate intolerance and hatred, and by doing so, promote violence.
While these are vivid displays of blatant racism that need unprecedented attention, there are other forms of inequality that can have a more profound effect on livelihood. Long-term economic and social disadvantage can create widespread poverty and injustice, which can be much more devastating than any gang or hate-group.
During the Hurricane Katrina evacuations, many media outlets and reporters referred to the largely Black population of displaced New Orleanians as, "refugees". Some wonder whether these same labels would have been applied to White persons fleeing the San Francisco Bay area during a similar disaster. Coupled with economic and political inequalities, media insensitivity can create heightened resentment since these types of misaligned portrayals can reach large audiences.
For many in the U.S., racial inequality is about fairness and elitism. The American political system is divided down racial lines, and so is the economic power grid. In fact, both are visibly lopsided which many believe is the wedge that creates racial division where Whites seem to be advantaged, while Blacks appear disadvantaged. Fundamentally, a war between the "haves" and "have-nots".
Many Americans do not recognize certain instances of racism since they are subtle, or difficult to detect. For many, there is a nagging desire to believe that the civil rights movement of the 1960s solved the problems that were carried over from prior history. But clearly, this is not the case.
Adversely, there are those who sadly hold on to anger and bitterness which is directed towards history's atrocities. But harboring these types of emotions, even when justified, can cloud ethical judgment and prevents progress by destroying the opportunities for growth and healing.
While systemic and institutionalized racism have robbed people of color of the many advantages available to others in the U.S., the problems do not lie squarely with White Americans. A number of influential Black leaders have often been quoted spewing disparaging remarks about Whites and other ethnicities. There are also bouts of "intra-racism" in many Black communities which further separates a group of people who should be solidified in their uniqueness.
Cultures eventually change and fluctuate over time, and American race relations are progressively moving towards more individuality and intolerance, and less towards harmony. Whether this is fueled by anger, fear, or miscommunication, the fact remains that the end result is a divided nation.
The quality of the human experience within U.S borders can be vastly effected by skin color and economic status, and the country cannot sustain this type of disconnect much longer.
We as a nation need more intelligent talk on race.
By Mybrotha.COM Staff Writer - March 1, 2006
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One of the loudest complaints by Americans is that Congress and the Federal Government have never waged war against racism. While billions of U.S. dollars are spent fighting terrorist regimes thousands of miles away, the government has allowed race relations within American communities to diminish. This isn't a predicament that calls for a "figure it out amongst yourselves", type of solution. It needs a targeted, effective solution strategy that the government should spearhead.
There is a rekindled White supremacy movement in the U.S., which completely discredits many sociologists who claim that racism no longer exists. These extremist groups, including the KKK and anti-government organizations, have seen a rapid increase in membership since September 11, 2001. Also, there are a number of Black and Hispanic gangs that advocate intolerance and hatred, and by doing so, promote violence.
While these are vivid displays of blatant racism that need unprecedented attention, there are other forms of inequality that can have a more profound effect on livelihood. Long-term economic and social disadvantage can create widespread poverty and injustice, which can be much more devastating than any gang or hate-group.
During the Hurricane Katrina evacuations, many media outlets and reporters referred to the largely Black population of displaced New Orleanians as, "refugees". Some wonder whether these same labels would have been applied to White persons fleeing the San Francisco Bay area during a similar disaster. Coupled with economic and political inequalities, media insensitivity can create heightened resentment since these types of misaligned portrayals can reach large audiences.
For many in the U.S., racial inequality is about fairness and elitism. The American political system is divided down racial lines, and so is the economic power grid. In fact, both are visibly lopsided which many believe is the wedge that creates racial division where Whites seem to be advantaged, while Blacks appear disadvantaged. Fundamentally, a war between the "haves" and "have-nots".
Many Americans do not recognize certain instances of racism since they are subtle, or difficult to detect. For many, there is a nagging desire to believe that the civil rights movement of the 1960s solved the problems that were carried over from prior history. But clearly, this is not the case.
Adversely, there are those who sadly hold on to anger and bitterness which is directed towards history's atrocities. But harboring these types of emotions, even when justified, can cloud ethical judgment and prevents progress by destroying the opportunities for growth and healing.
While systemic and institutionalized racism have robbed people of color of the many advantages available to others in the U.S., the problems do not lie squarely with White Americans. A number of influential Black leaders have often been quoted spewing disparaging remarks about Whites and other ethnicities. There are also bouts of "intra-racism" in many Black communities which further separates a group of people who should be solidified in their uniqueness.
Cultures eventually change and fluctuate over time, and American race relations are progressively moving towards more individuality and intolerance, and less towards harmony. Whether this is fueled by anger, fear, or miscommunication, the fact remains that the end result is a divided nation.
The quality of the human experience within U.S borders can be vastly effected by skin color and economic status, and the country cannot sustain this type of disconnect much longer.
We as a nation need more intelligent talk on race.
