Amongst the various factors that determine an individual’s level of self-esteem, racial identity plays a major role according to a research study conducted. Racial identity is defined as a sense of collective identity brought about by one’s perception that they share the same commitment, common values, and heritage with a certain racial group. Racial identity is classified into three dimensions which are racial ideology, racial centrality, and racial regard. It is important to individuals especially those that belong to minority groups as it gives them a sense of belonging. America has a racially diverse population hence it classifies its population into different racial categories which include; White American, Black or African American, Native American, Asian American, and Native Hawaiian. Due to the adversity of racial identities in America, there are issues of racial inequality whereby some races feel that they are not treated right.
Americans especially black Americans have negative perceptions and views about the country’s racial identity. Racial identity is positively associated with racial discrimination especially to racial minorities for instance; the blacks by racial majorities (the whites). More than four out of ten claims that the country has not progressed towards racial equality as more than one hundred and fifty years after an amendment that abolished slavery; (thirteenth amendment), the issue of slavery is still having an impact on black people’s position in the American society. More than a half percent of Americans think that President Donald Trump has worsened racial identity relations. Very few think that he has improved or has tried to improve racial relations but failed. Since he was elected as the President, it has become normal for people to share racially insensitive ideas. About 80% say that America has had very little progress towards giving black people equal rights with Whites and hence it’s very unlikely that America will achieve racial equality as even non-whites most probably see benefits in being white.
Different institutions accidentally promote racial inequality without even realizing it. This happens in the process of offering services to citizens. The term “Institutional racism” was first mentioned in the book “Black Power” which was about liberation politics. These institutions include educational institutions, criminal justice institutions, banks, the military, hospitals, employment, and political institutions among others. For instance, the recent George Floyd murder by police was an example of military brutality and racial inequality which led to protests by the blacks who claimed that black life matters as it was seen as racial biasness.
Although the racial inequality crisis is very rampant in America, several measures can be put in place to address it and possibly contain the situation. These measures include; supporting one another and speaking up against racism. Due to the underrepresentation of black professionals in their workforce or their learning institutions, their challenges are rarely put into consideration hence continued racism. Therefore, representation of minority racial groups should be increased in different institutions.
Creating awareness about racism by offering mentorship opportunities to students and employees. Minority groups should be made aware that they should have equal opportunities whether in schools or at work with the whites. Also, the offering of social services for instance in health facilities should be done with equality to all races. Additionally, there should be charges to be faced by those whites who discriminate against the minority groups so that racial inequality can be reduced.
Conclusion
As colleagues at work or in learning institutions, condoning discrimination against the black by the whites is the first step towards achieving racial equality. As friends of some of minority groups people, pointing out and criticizing unjust actions done to them is of great help. Lastly, just listening to them is of great help.