The presence of different cultures in the world has benefited humanity in many ways. However, it has presented us with one major challenge – racism. How can we define racism? According to Johnson (2018), racism is a form of prejudice or antagonism directed against people with different origins or race based on the idea that the perpetrator’s race is superior. Unfortunately, racism has developed into a major social construct of race that has influenced and affected people worldwide. To minimize the practice of racism, it is important that individuals should understand the major causes of racism and the benefits of a society that is free from this social construct.
The American Psychological Association (n.d.) firmly believes that “respect for the inherent dignity and well-being of each member of the human family is the psychological foundation of freedom, human justice and peace in the world” (para. 4). Therefore, the organization recommends that the major cause of racism and racial acts is psychological with the support of economic, social, and political factors. On that note, the possible solutions to racism should stem from key institutions such as religion, the government, civil society groups, and corporate institutions with the single goal to protect and promote moral behavior and the quality of life in the society.
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Besides, it is also important for the people and institutions affected by racism understand the benefits of a racism-free society. According to Rinderle (2017), eliminating racism in our society can significantly help us improve certain aspects of our lives. Firstly, a racism-free society will encourage optimism and freedom to be ourselves. Freedom and optimism can significantly improve our relationships with other people by eliminating fear, defensiveness, and mistrust because racism inhibits our ability to speak freely and engage in meaningful conversations. Lastly, and more importantly, eradicating racism can increase safety within the society.
Therefore, it is important to learn from the past and define the future by improving the present situation. While we strive to improve the society, it is also important that we change from inside of ourselves and share the same values with the people around us. In other words, creating a racism-free society translates to creating a world that works for everyone – this means that the end of racism will create countless opportunities for growth and peace around the world.
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychological causes and consequences of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerances: Intervention of the American psychological association delegation to the world conference against racism (WCAR). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/
- Johnson, B. W. (2018). Racism: What is it? Middletown, PA: Tesko Publishing LLC.
- Rinderle, S. (2017). 12 reasons ending racism is good for white people. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com
