Introduction
The fact that we are human beings means that we are bound to face different challenges and find a way of overcoming them as we interact with each other and go on with our day-to-day activities (Patel, 1980). In the process of interacting, disagreements, as well as arguments, are bound to occur.
Conflicts are an inevitable part of human life (Ibid, 1980).
Discussion
Conflicts can either be interracial and/or interethnic (Saunders, 1999). Interracial conflict is a conflict that occurs between individuals of different races for example Africans versus Asian-Americans. On the other hand, interethnic conflicts are those which occur between individuals belonging to different ethnic groups for example Cuban Americans versus Puerto Rican Americans (Ibid, 1999).
Studies have shown that interracial conflicts are most common in the United States than in any other part of the world. Interracial conflicts normally arise from unfounded misunderstandings and mistrust and have in most cases resulted in either death or violence or both (Patel, 1980).
Different factors have contributed to interracial group conflicts in present history. The media is one of such contributors to these conflicts (Saunders, 1999). A good example of how it has contributed to interracial group conflicts is in the case of the Rwandan Genocide which took place in 1994 (Ibid, 1999). The conflict was between two major ethnic groups in Rwanda, namely the Tutsi and the Hutu, and it was started by a disagreement between them. The media on learning of the disagreement between the two groups started making unconstructive comments relating to either group thus fueling their anger as well as resentment (Patel, 1980). In the end, many Hutus were killed and the media was to blame.
Another factor lies in the interracial marriages which are now becoming rampant in not only the United States but many parts of the world. Since schools, as well as colleges, admit students from all over the world, interracial relationships are becoming more prominent (Saunders, 1999). Interracial group conflicts arise in interracial marriages when either of the parents disagrees with their children’s choice of partner. This may be and is mostly based on the race or color of the party involved (Patel, 1980).
Functional as well as conflict perspectives have been employed to approach the factors likely to contribute to interracial group conflicts. The same media which is a major contributor to interracial group conflicts is now being used to promote peace as well as understanding between ethnic communities (Saunders, 1999). The government is also trying to make it easy for racial minorities to have equal opportunities as well as easy access to services as their white counterparts.
The different ethnic groups and racial minorities are being encouraged to attend special programs meant to deal with interracial conflicts (Saunders, 1999). Through such programs, interracial group conflicts are dealt with as the groups involved are in a better position to look at things from the other group’s point of view and hence enable them to understand each other better (Patel, 1980).
This results in the promotion of peace and reconciliation between the groups involved.
Conclusion
Despite interracial group conflicts becoming a huge problem in the United States, measures are now being taken to try containing the hatred and resentment between the groups /parties involved through the introduction of counseling programs as well as education of the society as a whole.
It is proving to be successful through the many cases of interracial marriages that are happening as a result of understanding among different ethnic groups. If this continues, Americans will experience fewer and less cases of stereotyping and racial discrimination in years to come.
References
Patel, Dhiru. (1980). Dealing with Interracial Conflict: Policy Alternatives. Montreal: The Institute for Research on Public Policy.
Saunders, Harold H. (1999). A Public Peace Process: Sustained Dialogue to Transform Racial and Ethnic Conflicts. New York: St. Martin’s Press.