Appeal to Ethos, Logos and Pathos Racism

Wisdom echoes through time in Lincoln's words - "Achievement has no color" - painting a vision of a world where merit alone determines success. Yet, is this truly reflective of our current reality? Throughout history and even today, many people have faced suppression and exclusion from societal contributions due to the color of their skin. Racism is not merely a relic of the past but a persistent blight that hinders our collective development. Imagine the possibilities if individuals could set aside their differences and collaborate meaningfully.

Unfortunately, reality often contradicts this ideal, as people are frequently marginalized based on their heritage and genetics. Although racism is not as overt as it was in the 1950s, it still insidiously permeates every facet of society.

Racism in the Workforce

One of the most glaring examples of this issue is racism within the workforce. An enlightening study conducted by Professors Mullainathan and Bertrand of the Poverty Action Lab highlights a disturbing trend. They created identical resumes, differing only in the applicant's name—a white-sounding name, a black-sounding name, or a Latino-sounding name—sourced from a frequency data sheet in Massachusetts. The results were telling: resumes with white-sounding names received 50% more callbacks than those with black-sounding names and 34% more than those with Latino-sounding names. This discrepancy underscores how racial bias extends even to the initial stages of employment, affecting people's livelihood and financial stability. As more individuals face such discrimination, they may fall into poverty, struggle with debt, and face challenges in supporting themselves or their families. Stereotypes and misconceptions about different races can lead to various social issues, including poverty, crime, depression, risky behavior, and anger.

Racism in Healthcare

Racism's impact extends beyond the workforce and into healthcare, where it affects the quality of care received by minority patients. Are we not all entitled to equal treatment in medical settings? Unfortunately, many white physicians unknowingly harbor subconscious biases that influence their decisions. A concerning Washington University study found that pediatricians were more likely to prescribe ibuprofen to black patients post-surgery, rather than the more effective oxycodone given to white patients. Such disparities in treatment highlight how minority patients suffer due to these biases, which can have serious health implications. This unequal treatment based on race is not only unjust but also detrimental to the well-being of countless individuals.

Racism in Education

Racism does not spare even the youngest members of society. Schools, which claim to provide safe environments for learning and growth, often contribute to the "school-to-prison pipeline." This phenomenon, supported by numerous studies, shows that children marginalized by racism are more likely to drop out of school and eventually engage in criminal activities. Black and Hispanic children, for instance, are often overlooked for advanced academic opportunities and are more harshly disciplined for missteps. In 84 Southern school districts, 100% of the students suspended were black, a stark indication of racial bias. These children do not receive the same quality of education as their white peers, and the long-term effects of these discriminatory practices leave lasting scars that impact their development and ability to trust.

The Call for Change

Racism, discrimination, or whatever label one chooses, must be eradicated. Countless individuals continue to suffer due to the color of their skin. This issue transcends racial lines, as Muhammad Ali poignantly stated, "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong." To combat this pervasive issue, we must collectively work to dismantle the systemic racism embedded in our society. By educating ourselves and others, advocating for policy changes, and fostering an inclusive environment, we can begin to loosen the grip of racism on our world.

In conclusion, while Lincoln's ideal of "achievement has no color" remains aspirational, the reality is that racism continues to influence various aspects of life, from employment and healthcare to education. By recognizing and addressing these issues, we can strive toward a society where all individuals, regardless of race, have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. Only then can we truly claim that achievement, indeed, has no color.

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