W.E.B Du Bois
Racism in the United States is a complex issue because of its implications on social life and even the economy of the nation. During his time, Du Bois came up with the concept of color lines which is the role of racism and race in society and history. The concept has many dimensions of analysis of identifying and seeking the relationship between race and class as ways of dominance and resistance in the United States and internationally. He tried to relate the color line problems with race, racial exploitation and domination. He emphasized that social progress can only be attained through the mastering of that define the times. He believed that racism is a bio-social issue that produces the social forces which define and modify the age.
Racism in the United States has promoted inequality in society and seen one race of individuals dominate the rest in an unfair manner. Racism has led to white people in the United States to exploit, dominate and limit opportunities for the progress of Americans of color. In an ideal world, Americans are supposed to live in harmony without considering their racial backgrounds because, according to Du Bois, it is likely to take away the right and opportunity of enjoying and exploiting their potential ability, privileges and opportunities of the civilized world. The issue of racism in the United States today is not different basing on Du Bois argument. This is because there are so many Americans of color with great potential and ability to help the country and themselves economically. However, because of racism issues, these individuals do not get the opportunities to exploit their potential ability. They end up living in poverty conditions and not having the chance to enjoy the 21st century civilization of good infrastructure and technology.
Racism also resulted in power, opportunity, wealth and access inequities between the white people and the rest of the other races. This brings out a picture of an oppressed majority human society. Even though times have changed and after liberation wars for equality, racism has not been wiped out completely. Today there a more friendly environment for people of color, this can be illustrated by the election of a black president in United States back in 2008. However, the issue of race seems to be playing its way back into politics. With the 2012 election moving closer, there have been reported cases of racist incidents against the black president, a show that racism still affects the society. According to Du Bois, all people, regardless of race or class should have equal opportunity to acquire wealth, power and access other rights.
The concept of color line in the 21st century is well illustrated in the process and practices of globalization. Currently, globalization is a very serious color line and racism aspect. Globalization can be mistaken to be the best way of enhancing democracy and promoting civilization as well as technology. However, it is an expression of white dominance accompanied by sophisticated technological capacity to manifest itself to the entire world. Europeans and white people in general are at the centre of the globalization project. They use their influence in global matters to benefit their own race culturally, economically while the other races are left to bear costs and burdens. This is the exact idea that Du Bois puts across and argues that color line issues are aimed at degrading the status, worth and existence of the colored races by the white people.
Racism in the United States manifested itself since the slave trade times and has become a permanent stain in society. The poor and unethical treatment accorded to people of color has been morphed into a societal segregation project where individuals and groups of white people have some kind of dominance over the people of color. The people of color are segregated based on class, orientation and race. This is clearly illustrated when some residence areas are entirely for the white people. Such places are classy and mainly for the rich. There are other residence areas that are purely dominated by the black and other colored people. These areas are middle class or the poor. Furthermore, the concept of Du Bois of color lines has now been diversified into other social features.
Since the turn of the century, racial discrimination has become a sensitive issue which has led to the problem being treated with caution by those who still segregate others. It has now spread to social aspects such as religion, sexual orientation, class, age, gender and individual abilities or disabilities. The use of these social aspects to discriminate and oppress people of color has led to massive social exploitation and inequities. There is need to enhance equity in terms of social, political and economic aspects to promote national social integration and eradicate racism in the United States. The concept of color lines by Du Bois can provide a basis with which to identify the problem and how to eradicate racism.
References
Edles, D. L., & Appelrouth, S. (2010). Sociological Theory in the Contemporary Era: Text and Readings (2, illustrated ed.). New York: Pine Forge Press.
