When someone walks by two dogs, one with white fur and one with black fur, this person thinks, “Aw, two cute puppies,” and may ask the owner to pet the dogs. We see these animals with slightly different appearances as one in the same: dogs.
If we can comprehend that all dogs are equal despite being different breeds and looking different from one another, then why is it so difficult for people to recognize that all humans, with slightly different appearances due to their race or culture, are equal?
Racism is unfortunately prevalent all around the globe, but is deep-seated especially in American history. Despite the United States being known as the “great American melting pot,” there were many disadvantages for immigrants not from European countries.
Segregation and racism have obstructed equality in the past, resulting in people of color being set back numerous years of when their family began obtaining wealth. This is due to white people in the United States always having been able to gain wealth, meanwhile black families and families of color were unfortunately disparaged against and not given the same opportunities as white citizens.
The graphic below from a Race & Social Justice Article demonstrates an interesting (unfortunate) magnitude of the set-back people of color experience in terms of financial strength and weakness through their collection of data.
The set-backs do not stop there, as not only are financial circumstances a set-back, but also some people’s racist bias interferes with their work, which is unfair to people of color and negatively impacts one’s scope of patients or customers. According to the Do Something Website, “From 2013 to 2017, white patients in the US received better quality health care than about 34% of Hispanic patients, 40% of Black patients, and 40% of Native American patients”.
The disproportionate effects racism has on people of color on a daily basis are devastating, and I implore you as a reader to do your part by not only “not being racist”, but instead being actively anti-racist. Work toward equality and representation wherever you can, and feel free to call out people for their small, curt microaggression comments that pile up significantly over time.
People of color should not need to feel self-conscious about their skin, and diversity should be encouraged and represented in everyday life. Over the past few years, there has become increased representation of minorities in the media inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. This has placed a more positive spin on incorporating diversity and inclusion into companies, making people of color feel a greater sense of belonging.
Overall, it is best to always view everyone equally no matter their background, identity, race, or gender. Treating all people with kindness, compassion, and respect — one person at a time — is the first step to eliminating racial bias and unequal treatment in society. We really can all live in harmony if we try in a group effort.