What exactly is racism?
Racism is when someone, a group, or culture is discriminated against because of their race, ethnicity, or skin color. Racism usually affects individuals who are members of a minority or disadvantaged ethnic community. Specific and institutional racism are the two major types of racism. Individual racism is racism that people face on a daily basis from other people, while institutional racism is racism that is visible in society and institutions.
Person racism can be seen in the following ways:
- racial remarks
- Jokes that are racist
- Being singled out or treated unfairly because of your race or culture
- Someone making judgments about you based on your race or culture
- Being attacked physically as a result of your race
The following are some examples of racial discrimination:
- When police target particular individuals and accuse them of illegal behavior because of their race, this is known as racial profiling.
- When people are refused healthcare facilities or do not receive the same level of treatment because of their race, this is known as medical prejudice.
- When people are refused employment because of racial prejudices, this is known as work discrimination.
What causes racism to occur?
It is never your fault if anyone treats you with racism. It isn’t something you have to put up with, and it isn’t a necessary part of life. For a variety of reasons, certain people are racist. People who grow up in communities where racist views and remarks are regularly expressed, or who have friends who think making racist jokes is amusing, may feel that such behavior is natural and appropriate.
People who feel challenged by culture or ethnicity that is different from their own and have a limited understanding of it are often the source of racist feelings or stereotypes. They may have little exposure to people from various backgrounds and therefore hold negative stereotypes about them.
Having to deal with racism
It can be difficult to see or experience racial discrimination, and it can make you feel powerless. It can be difficult for you to open up and share your experiences. There are, however, a few options for dealing with racist behavior or experiences.
Managing racism on an individual basis
- Attempt to maintain a cool demeanor. Racist jokes, off-handed remarks, and excluding people based on race are examples of what is known as casual racism. It’s particularly disturbing when the individual doesn’t realize the consequences of their words or acts. If you believe this is the right course of action for you, you can opt to walk away from the situation with your head held high.
- Allow yourself time to process your feelings. Experiencing racial violence or bullying can be very distressing. You can be hurt, sad, and irritated, as well as angry. Talking to your friends or family about it can be extremely beneficial, and if you need additional support.
Dealing with Racism as a Method
- You must send a report to a higher authority. Report any cases of institutional bias to a higher authority if possible. If you have been a victim of bias in a recruiting or another application process, for example, contact and notify the Human Resources staff or the executive management team about the prejudice you have experienced.
- Anti-racist organizations and groups should be supported and tapped into. You can get help from a variety of national and local organizations that offer funding, advocacy, and information on combating structural racism. The Black Lives Matter Foundation, a national organization, is an example of an organization you should help.
US Colleges Can Promote Anti-Racism on Campus
Colleges Should Promote Anti-Racism on US Campus – Hate crimes in the US remain prevalent on college campuses, even during remote learning. Universities play a key role in promoting equitable learning spaces for students of color. To promote anti-racism, universities must eradicate the culture of silence around racism. Schools should also regularly assess students’ sense of belonging and offer support systems. The strategies below are four strategies for how colleges can condemn racism while fostering an anti-racist campus climate.
- Hate crimes are still common on college campuses, even though students are studying remotely.
- Colleges play a critical role in ensuring that students of color have access to diverse academic environments.
- Universities must eliminate the atmosphere of secrecy around bigotry in order to foster anti-racism.
- Schools can also measure students’ sense of identity on a daily basis and include support services
With more police violence against Black and brown Americans on the rise, and more schools addressing their discriminatory legacies by renaming campus buildings and destroying monuments honoring white racists, it’s apparent that colleges and universities must take a stand on the importance of being anti-racist institutions.
- Hate crimes and racism cases on college campuses have increased dramatically over the last decade. The racial fraternity chants by the University of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the noose discovered at Johns Hopkins University, and the swastikas drawn around the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are only a few notable manifestations of bigotry at overwhelmingly white universities.
- Racism persists after the physical closing of colleges across the United States due to COVID-19. During Black History Month simulated activities in February, students at City University of New York campuses became subjects of racial “Zoombombing,” in which many individuals entered online communities to share white nationalist messages and photographs.
- After George Floyd’s death last year, many colleges issued statements detailing their renewed commitment to eradicating racism. Universities play a key role in educating future generations and working to establish safe and equitable spaces for students of color. Here are four strategies for how colleges can condemn racism while fostering an anti-racist campus climate. The strategies are designed to create equitable opportunities for historically marginalized student populations.
- Since the country’s founding, racism and white nationalism have been firmly rooted in the fabric of the United States, and universities are just a microcosm of society. Many students of color face racial microaggressions both within and outside of the classroom, which may affect their sense of identity, self-efficacy, and desire to finish their degrees.
- Following the death of George Floyd last year, several universities released announcements reaffirming their commitment to eradicating bigotry, encouraging anti-racism culture, and removing obstacles in order to provide equal opportunity for previously disadvantaged student groups.
- Universities play a critical role in educating future generations and are working hard to provide inclusive and equal environments for students of color. Four tactics for colleges to reject bigotry while promoting an anti-racist campus environment are outlined below. Rate you University share your experience
Eliminate the Racist Culture of Silence.
The desire for college leaders to have candid talks about race and bigotry, which are still largely controversial subjects, has grown as social tensions and discriminatory events on campuses have increased. When it comes to discussing race and bigotry these days, often people are faced with resistance, resentment, or disengagement. One of the core tenets of anti-racism is to be transparent and attentive to debates around race.
The first step in being an advocate for many white people is learning to examine how their ethnic superiority manifests, as well as how this privilege causes unequal social and economic disadvantages for racial minorities. You inadvertently demonstrate your role in the perpetuation of injustice while you stay passive and oblivious to bigotry.
The culture of white supremacy is unfortunately fueled by white ignorance and secrecy. To end the atmosphere of silence around bigotry, we must first accept that it persists and that the majority does not get to decide when and how racism is defined.
It’s time for white people to start having awkward but courageous discussions with other white people about the persistence of bigotry, how their absence leads to complicity, and what responsibility they bear for perpetuating and eradicating injustice.
Professors play an important role on college campuses in breaking down the culture of silence surrounding race and racism. Faculty members must provide a learning atmosphere in which students feel free to express their ideas and perspectives, and in which students of color should not feel singled out, tokenized, or forced to speak up if the race is discussed.
“Sense of belonging” refers to the emotional and affective attachment students feel toward their campus environment. On many predominantly white campuses, access for students of color does not necessarily equal inclusion. Minority students report feeling disconnected and disengaged from the larger campus culture. Research indicates that exposure to racial microaggressions can lead to a decreased sense of belonging and lower comfort levels. The feeling of belonging is critical to a student’s personal and professional success.