Systemic racism is a form of structural, institutionalized discrimination that has been woven into the fabric of our society for centuries. Historically, the most detrimental and long-lasting effects of systemic racism have been faced by black and brown people, and within this article we will explore the history of this issue, define it, and discuss possible solutions to combat it.
Systemic racism is a form of institutional racism in which social and political systems are structured to grant advantages to some groups while disadvantaging others based on the color of their skin. Systemic racism can manifest itself through housing, employment, education, criminal justice, health care services, and other aspects of daily life. It operates on both an individual and an institutional level, whereby individuals or organizations may harbor or act upon racist beliefs, while institutions or organizations may perpetuate policies that create economic and social disparities based on race. On a systemic level, racism is reflected in the existence of policies and practices that allow certain racial and ethnic groups to have greater access to resources, opportunities, and power than other groups. This enables those who hold power to preserve and extend their privileged positions. This can lead to discrimination and unequal treatment of people from certain backgrounds.
Systemic racism is embedded in the institutions of our society and has been a part of our history since America was first colonized. In early America, many citizens held slaves as property and laws had been passed to protect plantation owners and their slave-owning rights. Even after slavery officially ended, systemic racism still plagued the nation with Jim Crow laws, which were in place from 1876 to 1965. These laws heavily restricted African Americans from voting, receiving an education, working certain jobs and accessing public spaces.
Another example of systemic racism is redlining, a policy of denying mortgages, credit cards, insurance and other services to people of color in an effort to keep them from achieving wealth or purchasing property. Redlining was illegal under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 but its effects are still seen today as African Americans are more likely than whites to be denied mortgages, leading to a larger racial wealth gap.
Furthermore, employment discrimination has been rampant in America’s history, with many employers refusing to hire African American workers. This has led to higher unemployment rates among African Americans, which have been further exacerbated by gentrification that has displaced many Black communities in cities across the country. It is clear that systemic racism has had a major impact on the lives of African Americans for centuries and continues to affect them in ways that are both seen and unseen.
One of the most effective ways to fight systemic racism is to create laws and policies that aim to level the playing field for all citizens, regardless of their race. This can be done at both the local and federal level, by making sure that everyone has equal access to education, employment opportunities, and legal protections. Additionally, affirmative action initiatives can be created to ensure that marginalized groups have a better chance at success in fields such as education and employment. On the individual level, people can help fight systemic racism by speaking out against discriminatory practices and supporting community organizations and initiatives aimed at achieving racial equity. Organizations such as the NAACP, ACLU, and Black Lives Matter are all working to raise awareness of systemic racism and push to make meaningful change.
Educational institutions can also play an important role in addressing systemic racism by creating cultural competency programs and implementing curriculum that accurately reflects various aspects of history. This can include topics such as the role of African Americans in the American Revolution, the Jim Crow era, the civil rights movement and more. Furthermore, addressing these topics not only helps to educate students on the reality of systemic racism, but can also help to promote understanding, empathy, and acceptance of diversity.
Finally, it is essential to invest in diverse leadership teams in order to create an environment where different perspectives are welcomed and respected. This can be done through the hiring process, but also through mentorship programs and other initiatives that promote young leaders from diverse backgrounds. By ensuring that all voices in the workplace are heard and valued, it is possible to make tangible progress towards achieving racial equality.