Racial inequality is an evil that has refused to let go off its grips in the American society. Despite the country being ruled by a black man, the issue is far from being solves as some cases crop up to remind the country of an ugly past. The most recent case where a black unarmed teenager was shot by a white adult who claimed to have acted in self-defence just reminded Americans of racial discrimination. This was an incidence that shook not only the American society but the entire world on whether the laws on racial discrimination are being followed keenly. Just when we thought racial inequality had been buried, it was time to rethink about how the issue of racial discrimination should be dealt with in the society. Racism has deep roots that caused a lot of pain and anguish to whites and blacks alike, some of the wounds have not healed completely and only require an incidence to trigger the memories.
Despite the prominent presence of blacks in united states, the country remains to be dominated by the whites and therefore giving them a majority advantage. Laws are usually made and implemented on the basis of majority simply because they are the main beneficiaries. It is for this reason that the highest level of racial discrimination is observed in the legal system (Hero 120). There are also states, which are dominated either by the whites or by the blacks, there is no law that requires a place to have a certain ratio of blacks and whites. Even though most people cannot admit it, it is quite hard for a black man to live comfortably in a white dominated area and chooses to stay where fellow blacks are. This is because of the safety that comes from history and culture. This also applies to other areas such as schools and other public area.
Everybody has a tendency to look for social security that automatically attracts them to certain places and resist others. There is that fear of silent discrimination, which everybody is afraid. Every person has a past that could be known only to him or her and if it involves discrimination, a person could be plotting a revenge unknowingly (Loury & Glenn 55). For example, if a black man suffered an incidence of racial discrimination, they may be planning to revenge on a white silently. This is because of the pain that was caused and the response, which was not satisfactory to them. There is usually a worse situation especially when another incidence happens and brings a back the fear. It is the fear that needs to be dealt with to ensure blacks and whites interact without any form of fear. Due to the prominence of the white community in United States, there is also the issue of distribution of resources, which is not equal.
Compared to the situation twenty years ago, we however have to admit that the country is taking positive strides towards racial equality. A lot has been done that has proved that both blacks and whites have unique capabilities that can be exploited if they are exposed to equal treatment. The country in facts boosts of numerous black men who have risen to influential positions of power and doing a recommendable job (Sigelman 34). There has also been a surge in economic empowerment for the country as the government facilitates development programs for all. As the American society looks in anticipation for the complete fulfilment of the martin Luther king’s dream, the past has to be forgotten and the Americans work together towards a brighter future.
There is need more importantly for the legal department to speed up the cases on racial discrimination. Some of such cases that take too long to be dealt with spur bitter pasts and therefore making the families of the affected families living in fear. Even though each party expects to win a case in the court, all cases on discrimination should be received with an open mind realising that in the end, one party will win over the other. Americans should also develop confidence in the justice system, which will minimize on thoughts of unfair ruling. This can be done by ensuring that the judicially is balanced enough especially when it comes to white and black prominence. Cases involving discrimination should be handled with caution and the parties adequately prepared for the ruling.
America remains to be a beautiful with numerous opportunities. It is the most diversified community with people of different races and cultures migrating there for opportunities (Hayward & Melonie 85). The fact that more people from other races are seeking to be citizens of America imply that the government is doing a lot to facilitate equal opportunities for all. This does not however mean a complete end to discrimination and equality. The biggest fight against racial discrimination lies with the citizens. If people change their attitude towards how they look at other races and accept the diversity around them, they will learn to appreciate and accept each other. The government should also probably plan for a public reconciliation meeting where people will be allowed to share where they have been hurt and seek to reconcile with one another. Such a gesture will prove that even though they have had an ugly past, they are ready to move towards a better future.
Works cited
Hayward, Mark D., and Melonie Heron. "Racial inequality in active life among adult Americans." Demography 36.1 (1999): 77-91.
Hero, Rodney E. "Social capital and racial inequality in America." Perspective on Politics 1.1 (2003): 113-122.
Loury, Glenn C., and Glenn C. Loury. The anatomy of racial inequality. Harvard University Press, 2009.
Sigelman, Lee. Black Americans' views of racial inequality: The dream deferred. CUP Archive, 1994.
