Racism: An Individual Problem or a Social Problem?.
Is racism an individual problem, a social problem, or both? I can safely say that racism is a problem for both the individual and for society as a whole. In A Country of Strangers, David Shipler describes the "color line" as "intertwining itself through police departments and courtrooms and jury rooms, through textbooks and classrooms and dormitories." (3) and the list goes on. The point he is making is that racism, among other isms, is a factor in many institutions and other things included in our culture. Because racism effects so many aspects of our culture, I believe we must take steps as individuals and as a society to ensure the eventual elimination of racism.
I say eventual because the practice of antiracism isn't something that can be quickly imposed without causing more harm than good in our society. First, it would be costly to make such drastic changes in our social, economic, and political institutions. Second, it would make people feel guilty that it has to come down to heavy government interventions.
Tatum wrote that she agreed with David Wellman's definition of what racism is: a "system of advantages based on race." So one might think that the best course of action is to make major changes in the structure of our society through government intervention. I don't believe this is the best course of action. After all, when has government ever taught people how to have an open mind?.
Beverly Tatum wrote that society is not to blame for prejudices and racism, but it is still our responsibility to try and fix the problem. We need to advertise the idea of antiracism in a way that won't make people feel guilty or like children being scolded. We need to see the truth about people so that we can make our own choices based on what we know instead of what we don't know. The media is the key.
The media has the greatest influence over society.
