Introduction
Racial discrimination occurs when someone is subjected to unfair treatment because they belong to a certain ethnic group (Macdonald and Daniels, 2005). It involves denying a member of the discriminated ethnic group access to a service or an opportunity which another group can access. Racial discrimination is usually practiced by an ethnic group which is in power. The powerful ethnic group is then able to deny the discriminated racial group any social benefits, opportunities, services, and facilities. Racial discrimination is illegal, and in fact, there is a law that protects a citizen against it. The ‘Racial Discrimination Act’ forbids racial discrimination in various situations like in employment, public places, property sales and purchases, and when accessing services, and goods. However, despite this, discrimination still takes place. Minority ethnic groups continue to be subjected to racial discrimination.
Personal Experience
I am a twenty-five year old Hispanic lady, and am also the mother of three children. As a Hispanic woman I face discrimination because of my race. Hispanics are treated differently by other ethnic groups. I am often harassed by policemen who demand to see my identification papers to confirm whether or not I am an illegal immigrant. These policemen are often rude and disrespectful, and it is generally demeaning to be constantly suspected of being illegal. In addition, I am overweight, which makes people discriminate against me even more. Whenever I walk around in public, people stare at me and whisper, which causes me to feel bad about myself. I overheard a gentleman make a derogatory statement about me to his companion; he called me ‘a fat Latina pig’. This statement hurt me and I felt bad because I had been insulted on two levels; as a Latina, and as a woman.
I have also faced discrimination when searching for jobs to be able to support my children. Once, I walked into a decent establishment to seek a clerical position. The manager was a rude lady who did not even wish to talk to me. In fact, he asked me why I was not looking for a position as a cleaner because that was what he was confident I could handle. To avoid a confrontation I walked away, because he had undermined my competence. Unfortunately, many Hispanics face discrimination at work, they are undermined and undervalued. Studies show that approximately 61% of Hispanics experience racial discrimination in the workplace (Gibson, 2011).
When I was growing up, it was difficult to get housing in regions which were considered ‘decent’. My parents were subjected to humiliation when they would visit agents who would be very uncomfortable and suspect that they would not have rent money. In fact, certain areas had clear polices against minority groups. For us to be comfortable, my parents finally opted to move into a community which was predominantly Hispanic because they did not want us to be exposed to discrimination too early. However, this was difficult because I went to public school where there was a diversity of races.
I have faced a great deal of discrimination and because it seems to deeply ingrained, I know that I will continue to face it. This had a negative effect on me first in high school because I felt that I could have performed much better than I did. In addition, I do experience periods of anxiety and even depression because I observe that my daily life is much more difficult because I am Hispanic; services, and jobs, are much more difficult to access (Macdonald and Daniels, 2005). I have also developed health issues (Gastric ulcers) which are related to stress, though I do not wish to blame discrimination entirely for it, but I am certain it is a contributory factor.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Racial discrimination is a rampant vice despite government efforts to eradicate it. It is necessary first to demystify stereotypes which different ethnic groups may have about each other. This can be done through outreach programs in schools and communities which encourage understanding among different races. There is also need for a review of the educational system such that it can be modeled to provide education in a fair manner. This may involve sensitizing teachers on the ways of different cultural groups so that they may be able to handle the diversity of cultures in their classrooms. I would also suggest stiffer penalties for those who are found to practice racial discrimination at work or in public places.
References
Gibson S. (2011). Discrimination against Hispanics, Latinos and Mexican Americans, and the need for more civil rights lawyers in California. Available at http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=6051
Macdonald L. &Daniels K., (2005). Equality, diversity, and discrimination: a student text. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
