Racism in America: a Historical and Modern Analysis

From the inception of slavery to the present day, the treatment of people of color in America has been fraught with systemic injustices.

Introduction

This ongoing discrimination is perpetuated by cultural stereotypes and media portrayals that reinforce the false notion that people of color are inferior to their white counterparts. In various scenarios, media narratives often position white individuals as victims, while people of color are consistently depicted as perpetrators or deserving of their plight. This pattern is particularly pronounced in media coverage, courtroom biases, and societal perceptions.

Media Bias

Consider the stark contrast in media coverage between Chris Watts and Melvin Harris. Chris Watts, a white man who committed the heinous crime of murdering his pregnant wife and two young daughters, was portrayed by the media as part of a seemingly idyllic family. Media outlets focused on happy family photos and sympathetic statements from acquaintances, creating a narrative that downplayed his crimes. Meanwhile, Melvin Harris, a black man who accidentally killed a man who attacked his daughter, was treated far more harshly by the media. Harris was represented by a somber mugshot, and his unrelated past charges, such as shoplifting, were dredged up to paint a negative picture of him. This discrepancy highlights the racial bias prevalent in media representations, where white individuals are often humanized and their actions excused, while people of color are vilified and dehumanized.

Historical Context

This media bias is not a new phenomenon. The justice system has historically been unfriendly to people of color, as illustrated by the infamous Scottsboro Boys case during the Great Depression. Nine black teenagers were falsely accused of raping two white women, and despite the constitutional guarantee of a fair trial, they faced an all-white jury in Alabama that sentenced them to death before their trial even commenced. This case exemplified the racial injustices embedded in the legal system, reflecting a broader societal trend of racial discrimination.

Literature and Reality

The injustices faced by people of color are also mirrored in literature, such as Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." The novel portrays the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Similar to the Scottsboro Boys, Robinson's story ends tragically, highlighting the pervasive racism in America. Despite being a work of fiction, the narrative resonates with real historical events and underscores the systemic racism that has afflicted people of color for generations.

Link to Slavery

The roots of these injustices can be traced back to slavery, a time when white individuals deemed people of color as sub-human due to their skin color. Although slavery was abolished over two centuries ago, its legacy persists in the form of systemic racism and discrimination. The civil rights movement made significant strides in securing rights for people of color, such as the right to vote, yet racial inequality remains a pervasive issue. The election of Barack Obama as the first black president was hailed as a milestone, but it did not signal the end of racism. The emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to police brutality further illustrates the enduring struggle for racial equality.

Representation in Media

The media's portrayal of people of color continues to be biased. Studies show that white mass shooters receive more sympathetic coverage compared to people of color. When a white person commits a crime, media reports often emphasize their mental health struggles and include interviews with friends and family who express disbelief at their actions. In contrast, people of color are frequently depicted through mugshots, with little focus on their personal circumstances or community perspectives. This discrepancy extends to victims of racial violence, as seen in the case of Philando Castile, where previous charges were used to justify his unjust killing. This media bias underscores the societal devaluation of people of color, perpetuating a narrative that prioritizes white lives over others.

The Black Lives Matter Movement

The Black Lives Matter movement, founded in 2013, has played a crucial role in highlighting racial injustices and advocating for systemic change. While police brutality against people of color is not a new issue, the movement has brought it to the forefront of public consciousness. Childish Gambino's "This Is America" is a poignant commentary on the systemic racism faced by people of color, capturing the realities of discrimination and police violence. Despite advancements in civil rights, people of color continue to face systemic barriers that undermine their humanity and perpetuate racial inequalities.

Conclusion

In contemporary America, racism remains a pervasive issue that devalues people of color and undermines their rights. Despite historical progress, systemic injustices persist in various forms, from media bias to legal disparities. The struggle for racial equality continues, propelled by movements like Black Lives Matter that challenge entrenched prejudices and demand justice. As America grapples with its legacy of racism, it is imperative to acknowledge and address these ongoing issues to foster a more equitable society for all.

Did you like this example?

280

12