Irrespective of massive efforts to emphasize the role of diversity and equality in society, it is still impossible to state that the United States is free from racial discrimination. This adverse phenomenon affects interpersonal relationships in many life spheres, subjecting ethnic minorities to negative attitudes. A significant part of the US population is subject to this prejudice, which means that it is reasonable to analyze the causes and effects of the issue. In particular, scientific literature indicates that racial discrimination exists because of specific social and individual phenomena, while outcomes include compromised physical and mental health as well as cultural disadvantages.
To begin with, one should explain that numerous factors are considered causes of racial discrimination. On the one hand, the current composition of society and its division into categories contribute to the problem. According to Feder, this term represents distinct groups that have robust internal connections and weak relations with other categories (par. 7). In other words, there is segregation in society which denotes that people tend to form close relationships with individuals who are considered alike than with people who are evidently different. One can suggest that the American history of slavery and racial segregation is one of the leading factors contributing to the current state of affairs. Even though modern people try to eliminate the adverse impact of the past, such problems still exist and impact the community.
On the other hand, more specific phenomena can also be considered a cause of the problem. In particular, this statement refers to the fact that media coverage of everyday life contributes to racial discrimination. Television and the Internet tend to represent White Americans as idealized, while people of color are shown marginalized (Feder par. 12). In addition to that, many people are said to suffer from passivism in responding to the existing problem. This statement denotes that some individuals tend to deny that racial discrimination exists, which forces others to do the same (Feder par. 12). Consequently, this information demonstrates that different factors, including social and individual ones, are the causes of the selected problem.
In addition to that, one can admit that racial discrimination leads to many adverse effects. Firstly, it is possible to look at adverse impacts on mental health. A scientific study by Carter et al. demonstrates that this discrimination type significantly harms people’s psychological well-being. For example, victims of this phenomenon report increased rates of depression, stress, anger, anxiety, psychological distress, low self-esteem, substance abuse, somatization, and many others (Carter et al. 26). These findings demonstrate that racial discrimination results in significant problems for people’s psychological health.
Secondly, adverse mental health symptoms should be considered as well. These outcomes include elevated blood pressure, heart-related issues, and an overall negative state of physical health (Carter et al. 26). Even though these effects are less frequent and are of smaller severity compared to mental health outcomes, it is still necessary to admit and comment on them. Thirdly, the phenomenon under analysis results in significant cultural drawbacks. In particular, discrimination experience can make minorities less tolerant of others and even American culture (Carter et al. 26). Representatives of prejudiced groups also avoid cooperation with other groups, which adversely affects relationships in society. According to this information, it is impossible to overestimate the negative effects of racial discrimination on individuals and the entire society.
In conclusion, the essay has demonstrated that racial discrimination is still present and is currently influencing the United States, and many factors contribute to this state of affairs. Both social and individual phenomena are considered causes of the problem, and they include American history, current social structure, media coverage, and individual passivism. The combination of these factors ensures that many people suffer from prejudiced attitudes. In addition to that, the essay has overviewed the potential effects of racial discrimination. This problem significantly harmed people’s mental health, physical health, and participation in cultural activities. Consequently, this information demonstrates that it is possible to address racial discrimination, while numerous causes indicate that multi-faceted interventions are needed.
Works Cited
Carter, Robert T., et al. “A Meta-Analytic Review of Racial Discrimination: Relationships to Health and Culture.” Race and Social Problems, vol. 11, 2019, pp. 15-32.
Feder, Sandra. “Stanford Psychologist Identifies Seven Factors that Contribute to American Racism.” Stanford News, 2020. Web.