Social institutions shape race relations. These institutions influence varied perspectives especially those that touch on race. Additionally, the social institutions may also behave in a manner which leads to possible discrimination. Racism propagated by these social institutions usually involves procedures, policies, and practices. The stereotypes may be advanced subtly without the knowledge of the masses (Conley, 2011).
Racism has had a negative effect on my life. I had low self-esteem issues in the past after a random person insulted me for how I look. I felt terrible because nobody stood up for me in public. The insults were numerous. I experienced a rage which I had never felt before. Nevertheless, I hated the rest of the world as it looked on as my aggressor went on about “people of my kind.” Encountering a racist bully is the worst experience that any youth can ever undergo. It also influences how one perceives the rest of the society.
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In my opinion, institutional racism is hard to tackle than individual racism. Institutional racism is entrenched in policies and practices which are difficult to overturn. Additionally, institutional is deeply rooted in the workings of the system. It also establishes barriers which may transcend different spheres of life. It may even occur without awareness until the public queries racist tendencies (Conley, 2011). Individual racism, on the other hand, can be tackled through legal mean or sensitization. Many of those that are racist usually do so after developing misconceptions over the years about others. Racism at the individual level is learned but can be unlearned with time. The individual racism can also be countered directly and handled through legal means or even mere conversation (Conley, 2011). Individuals can easily be made accountable for how they treat others that belong to other races. This translates to possible deterrence and ability to change the said racist tendencies or prejudices.
References
Conley, D. (2011). You may ask yourself: An Introduction to Thinking like a Sociologist . New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
