Introduction
Racism is a perversive issue in American society that impacts the interaction between people of different races. It involves structuring opportunities and attaching values based on a person’s skin tone that unfairly disadvantages some individuals in the community. The vice has caused racial tension for the longest time in the country. While racism can be individualistic or institutionalized, it can be stopped by recognizing and appreciating diversity.
Discussion
Institutionalized racism refers to prejudicial policies, traditions, values, and practices an organization adopts to systematically deny opportunities or resources to members of a particular group. For instance, Harvard University has been accused of using race as an influential factor in making the admission (Lombardo, 2018). The institution has placed quotas to reduce the chances of admitting students from minority communities. Harvard University is an excellent example, but other institutions also use some tactics to enhance systemic racism. Some typical features of institutionalized racism include job discrimination, division of powers in government, and unequal access to healthcare.
On the contrary, individualistic racism is a person’s beliefs, attitudes, or actions perpetuating discrimination. Individualistic racism can occur consciously or unconsciously and can be active or passive. Excellent examples of individualistic racism include the belief in white supremacy, racial jokes, employment discrimination, and personal prejudices against black people. These prejudices occur in different places, including schools, workplaces, and government offices. For example, in hospitals, a patient could refuse to be treated by a black doctor.
Nevertheless, diversity on college campuses among students, faculty, and staff is undoubtedly essential. Firstly, it eliminates racism by allowing individuals from different racial groups to interact and understand each other. Secondly, it challenges stereotypes as it gives a chance to an individual to learn about other cultures. Thirdly, diversity on college campuses helps in building social skills. Interaction with people from diverse cultures and communities allows the students to understand and appreciate cultural diversity, which is necessary for a successful career after college.
Conclusion
Overall, institutionalized and individualistic racism is a perversive issue that affects racial relations in society. It contributes to racial tension, resentment, and discrimination that adversely impacts communities. Some institutions of higher learning have been accused of enhancing racism through specific practices that lower the chances of students from targeted racial groups getting admission to the institution. Encouraging diversity in college is an influential factor in fighting against racism.
Reference
Lombardo, C. (2018). Harvard admissions secrets emerge; Defrauded borrowers can now seek loan forgiveness. NPR. Web.