Racial Discrimination & its Variations

By: Moussa Yarori

For decades upon decades, minority groups in America have been subjected to racial discrimination. This unfavorable treatment often takes place in public, at educational institutions, in the workplace, in one’s home, and is often utilized by those with power and influence throughout larger systems within society to impede the progress of minorities. Some of these occurrences may be described and/or perceived as mild and subtle, while others are explicit and extreme. Whichever the case may be, racial discrimination is without a doubt a human rights issue. So, how do we lessen and eliminate racial discrimination in America? Is that even possible? Some may argue that those inquiries have multiple answers, and some may argue that they have none. Regardless, it’s essential to understand the varying forms of racial discrimination before approaching that bridge.

Wikipedia defines Racial discrimination as “any discrimination against any individual on the basis of their skin color, or racial or ethnic origin”. But, one question stands. In what ways can one be racially discriminated against? Let’s break down the three most common types of racial discrimination.

Prejudice and Bias

In this form, Racial discrimination occurs due to baseless aversion and preconceived notions one might have about a certain race or group. These notions are generally unreasonable, differing from reality, and can be based on singular experiences or no experience at all. Someone who experiences this type of discrimination can be refused jobs, opportunities, and promotions. Additionally, they can be unfairly fired from jobs, treated much more harshly than others, or given less patience by those in power or authoritative roles other individuals may be given. The goal of this attribute of racial discrimination is typically to exclude, restrict, and negatively impact people of color.

Institutionalized Racism

Better known as systemic racism, institutionalized racism is a type of racism/racial discrimination that is carefully sewn within corporate or organizational modulation, legislation, and other large functions of society. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, housing and real-estate bias, harmful environmental laws, redlining and health inequality, etc. This discrimination takes place on a relatively much larger scale, meaning the impact is all the more severe.

Stereotyping

Stereotyping is the act of associating an entire group or race with certain characteristics and attributes. Sometimes, stereotypes aren’t directly harmful and aren’t usually based on bias. For example: “Women are loving and communal”. But, in the case of racial discrimination, stereotypes can lead to the incarceration of our youth at alarming rates, harsher treatment by the law, and even the justification of hate crimes.

For minority groups, Racial discrimination seems to exist in every crevice and aspect of life in America. It often tears down our physical, social, and spiritual being, while making it harder to survive and prosper. But, identifying the forms of racial discrimination and how they affect us provide the “where, why, and how” necessary to begin making social progress. Identification is the first step to deconstruction.