Introduction
Racism is a tumor in the society that has refused to go away regardless of the level of civilization achieved. The notion that one human race is superior to the other due to color is misleading and needs eradication. Though there have been significant efforts to eradicate racism in the society, the divide brought about by color remains distinct. The paper analyzes two articles related to racism and society, and different perspectives on the issue.
Main Point of the Article
The article by Kolivoski, Karen, and Constance-Huggins emphasizes the importance of critical race theory in fighting racial discrimination in society (Kolivoski, Karen & Constance-Higgins, 2014). The authors provide a critical viewpoint elaborating on the role of different stakeholders in addressing racism. It is prudent that an evaluation is conducted on all the previous efforts employed to fight the vice. Most of the efforts made in theory and practice are short of the required comprehensive input and understanding that the article strives to bring out. Critical race theory provides a framework that should be used by social workers in their effort to administer social justice by sealing loopholes that the relevant stakeholders have previously overlooked. In essence, the article provides a paradigm shift in the way race issues should be explored within the society.
Difference between CRT and Traditional Theory
The traditional theory places emphasis on information about racism but fails to explore other steps that are employable in eradicating the problem. CRT provides a more advanced approach in dealing with racism by defining a framework that social workers can use. The structure used involves an understanding of power systems and race issues. It provides an avenue for dialogue and action for social change in society (Kolivoski, Karen & Constance-Higgins, 2014). It is a proactive approach compared to the use of traditional multicultural understanding that has previously been in use. Critical race theory exposes how power and the tools of power are made use of advancing the agenda of racism in society. Such a view is informative to the social worker and proves to be a departure from past approaches.
Bias and Discrimination
Bias is an inbuilt human weakness informed by skewed thoughts and interests. In the case of racism, there is a bias in more than one way that leads to the disenfranchisement of the disadvantaged groups. The conversation by Alexander is geared towards a society that lives in cosmetic pretense about race issues. There is a need to direct the question posed to the community that lives supremely with the belief that it is better than those of color (Alexander, 2015). Honesty requires that each person sees through themselves to find out their stand on race issues.
Continuous campaigns by civil society groups and minority groups have bestowed them with rights that they previously could not enjoy. These achievements are deceptive in nature because they do not cure inherent beliefs among white supremacists. Therefore, it is prudent that all the steps taken be inculcated within individuals so that they believe in them. Individuals from both divide easily make offensive remarks touching on race and racism. It takes a bold move for an individual to own up and accept that some of the statements that they may have made at a certain point were not in order and as such regrettable. The shame of owning up to a mistake encourages racist individuals and suppresses the efforts that others are making to correct racist behavior. Owning up and apologizing would motivate others to follow suit in creating a positive society.
Racial discrimination manifests itself in individuals and is identifiable through specific acts and words. To fight racial discrimination, individuals believing in an equal society need to come out strongly and condemn any actions that undermine other people’s race (Alexander, 2015). The sensitivity of racism and the race issue have forced both the racists and the victims to shy away from openly expressing their views on the problem. More concern is directed at victims of racial abuse who would feel prejudiced in one way or the other if they complained about racial discrimination activities. It is wrong when victims recoil into their inner self when they are treated in manners that undermine their race, whether overtly or covertly. Such moves take out the steam from efforts being made to the vice.
The civil rights movements of the 1960’s provided precedence on how to deal with racism. During that period, the law did not favor the civil rights movements advocating for equality. However, they were able to speak out, take action, and achieve their intended purpose that gave everyone equal rights. For this reason, everyone needs to talk about racism all the time or whenever it becomes necessary (Alexander, 2015). A good listener is one who is objective to what is put forth. Objectivity is not an easy thing to achieve because society’s mind is already prejudiced. However, it is never too late to learn to listen and gain insightfully from constructive conversations. The history of a community provides a better understanding of the country in which we all live. Probing history will always tell where society has come from and predict where it is headed.
Conclusion
Racism and race issues are a universal problem created by the need for identity in society. However, it has escalated to imply that some human beings are less important while others are superior. Race superiority is cosmetic in the natural sense. Beyond the skin, everyone is equal. It should be seen from this point that more effort is needed to improve the way we all view the idea of race.
References
Alexander, E. (2015). It’s time to break our “comfortable silence” on race.Glamour, news and politics. Web.
Kolivoski, K. B., Weaver, A., & Constance-Higgins, M. (2014). Critical race theory: opportunities for application in social work practice and policy. Families in Society, 95, 269-276.