Many people may think they are not racist or racially biased. It’s easier to hide a belief or attitude about a certain group of people. It’s easier to deny there is a problem. These biases overflow throughout society and contribute to poverty. We all have a role in making a difference for the good of everyone.
According to Wikipedia, implicit racism refers to an individual’s use of unconscious biases when making judgments about people from different racial and ethnic groups. It is an automatic negative reaction to someone of a different race or ethnicity than one’s own.
An implicit bias is an unconscious belief, association, or attitude toward a social group. Because of this, people may attribute certain qualities or characteristics to all members of the group. This is known as racial profiling and stereotyping.
Talking about race does not divide the races. Young children notice differences around them. These differences may be skin color, where people live, where people go to church, or the type of work they do. Children are curious and may ask a lot of questions. If the questions are not answered, they may form their own conclusions.
Some studies indicate racial biases can start at around three years of age. If these biases are not supported, they will end around ten to twelve years of age. If they are supported, they can remain consistent throughout adulthood. We need to know that implicit or unconscious racism exists to guard against it influencing our behavior and minimize its effects on children.
When my siblings and I were children, we were desperately trying to understand a nation where people were judged or granted privileges based on the color of their skin. In the United States, covert or hidden racism is used to build barriers that oppress members of a racial group. My family and other families suffered economically as a result of oppression. My parents answered the many questions we had about race. We were taught to respect people of all races and cultures.
When people of various races and cultures spend time together, they get to know each other better. They may begin to form beliefs based on information they learn from the individuals rather than a group. When you meet people briefly, you don’t know them. If you take the time to know the person, you may have more in common and learn to embrace differences. The beauty of people is that we’re not the same. We have different ideas, opinions, and talents that should be appreciated. People want to feel valued, not tolerated.
Racial economic inequality reflects the legacy of racism in the United States. It is difficult to understand why it continues to persist. Many people are living in poverty because of these inequalities. After WWII, the Federal Government introduced redlining polices in major urban cities. The maps were color coded and used to determine what neighborhoods were desirable. The green and blue neighborhoods had majority white populations and were considered to be good investments. It was easy or the people living in these neighborhoods to get loans. The yellow areas were bordering minority neighborhoods and considered risky. The red area was considered hazardous and described as being infiltrated with minorities. These people living in these neighborhoods were not eligible for loans.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited racial discrimination and put an end to these type policies, however, they continue to exist. The practice is difficult to prove. There are disproportionate denial rates for loans for people who live in poorer neighborhoods compared to people living in other neighborhoods. Over the years, it was discovered that many banks and financial institutions had internal policies in place to restrict loans to certain racial groups. If they were granted a loan, it was subprime with high interest rates. Another example may consist of applicants applying for a job. They may have the same qualifications but if they have a name associated with a minority group, they may not receive a call back. These are examples of implicit racism and biases.
Racial discrimination remains a serious human rights problem in our nation. Overt racism is easily identified by direct intentional acts. Covert racism is easily disguised and may be part of a person’s beliefs. As a result of the civil rights movement, many overt anti-discrimination laws and acts were passed. Covert racism still exists and accepted by many people in our society. We share a nation with people of various races and cultures. This will not change. When judgement is passed on races and cultures unlike our own, it can lead to discrimination. We must embrace cultural and racial differences and find common ground.
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization.”-Mahatma Gandhi