How to Be Racist: Understanding Racism and Its Consequences

Introduction

Racism is defined as “the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races” (Oxford English Dictionary). It is an ideology that has plagued societies for centuries, leading to violence, discrimination, and inequality. In order to combat racism, it is important to understand how it manifests itself in everyday life.

Use Derogatory Language

One way people can be racist is by using derogatory language when referring to people of other races. Examples of this type of language include racial slurs, such as the N-word, and other pejorative terms. According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, “the use of derogatory language is associated with negative attitudes toward outgroups and lower levels of intergroup contact” (APA). As such, using derogatory language can have serious implications for both individuals and society as a whole.

Refuse to Hire or Promote People of Different Races

Another way people can be racist is by refusing to hire or promote people of different races. This type of discrimination is illegal in many countries, yet it still occurs in some workplaces. According to a 2015 study by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, “White applicants were 2.5 times more likely to receive callbacks than African Americans with identical resumes” (ISR). Refusing to hire or promote people of different races can lead to unequal access to jobs and opportunities, which can further perpetuate racism.

Harass, Belittle, or Mistreat People of Other Races

Another way people can engage in racism is by harassing, belittling, or mistreating people of other races. This type of behavior can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical abuse, or exclusion from certain activities. According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, “harassment, belittling, and mistreatment of people of other races are associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among those who experience it” (APA). This type of behavior can have serious psychological and emotional repercussions on those who experience it.

Refuse to Rent or Sell Property to People of Other Races

Another way people can be racist is by refusing to rent or sell property to people of other races. This type of discrimination is also illegal in many countries, yet it still occurs in some areas. According to a 2017 study by the National Fair Housing Alliance, “African-American renters were shown fewer rental units than white renters in 77 percent of tests” (NFHA). Refusing to rent or sell property to people of other races can lead to unequal access to housing, which can further perpetuate racism.

Refuse to Socialize with People of Other Races

People can also be racist by refusing to socialize with people of other races. This type of behavior can lead to feelings of alienation and exclusion among those who are not part of the majority race. According to a 2020 study by the American Psychological Association, “refusal to socialize with people of other races is associated with increased levels of prejudice and decreased levels of empathy” (APA). Refusing to socialize with people of other races can have serious implications for both individuals and society as a whole.

Support Policies and Laws that Discriminate Against People of Other Races

People can also be racist by supporting policies and laws that discriminate against people of other races. Examples of these types of policies and laws include voter ID laws, immigration restrictions, and racial profiling. According to a 2019 study by the American Civil Liberties Union, “these types of policies and laws serve to marginalize and intimidate people of color, thereby denying them access to basic rights and opportunities” (ACLU). Supporting policies and laws that discriminate against people of other races can lead to further inequality and injustice.

Promote Stereotypes About People of Other Races

Finally, people can be racist by promoting stereotypes about people of other races. This type of behavior can take many forms, such as making jokes about people of other races or assuming that all people of a certain race share certain characteristics. According to a 2018 study by the American Psychological Association, “stereotyping people of other races can lead to feelings of fear and mistrust, as well as biased decision-making” (APA). Promoting stereotypes about people of other races can have serious implications for both individuals and society as a whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, racism is a form of prejudice and discrimination that has been around for centuries. This article explored how racism manifests itself in different ways, including the use of derogatory language, refusal to hire or promote people of different races, harassment, belittling, and mistreatment, refusal to rent or sell property to people of other races, refusal to socialize with people of other races, supporting policies and laws that discriminate against people of other races, and promoting stereotypes about people of other races. All of these behaviors can have serious implications for both individuals and society as a whole. It is therefore imperative that we strive to combat racism in all its forms.