The year 2020 was characterized by the uncertainty caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid 19) across the United States and the globe. It also revealed a disturbing pattern of racial inequality in the United States, which is the direct product of a vicious cycle of historical injustices against people of color. According to Williams (2021), African Americans were twice more likely to contract the Coronavirus than White people. It is a year that George Floyd, a black man, died in the hands of a white police officer who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck. The incident, recorded by a 17-year-old bystander, caused an uproar by Black Lives Matter activists who demanded justice for George Floyd by staging protests in different cities in the United States. The racial inequalities were then displayed when far-right extremists and white supremacists violently stormed the U.S Capitol to show their support for former President Trump but were treated with a rather lenient approach by the police compared to how Black Lives Matter activists were treated even when they were unarmed and staged peaceful protests (Willliams, 2021). Although they publicly waved confederate flags, were armed, and displayed their neo-Nazi paraphernalia, they could move around the capital. It is a moment of reckoning and reflection for all Americans, both white and people of color. It is especially critical that white people confront their privileges by listening and learning regardless of how uncomfortable it might be. As a White American citizen, I am taking time to examine my background, longstanding beliefs, and upbringing to enable me to confront a bias that I might have against people of color. The personal commitment to confront my privileges might take time, is very uncomfortable and challenging but very worthwhile.
There are several glaring systemic differences in power in the United States despite being 156 years after the Civil war and 60 after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that reversed racial segregation in schools. The United States has not been able to adequately deal with the racial bias perpetuated by slavery despite being a nation based on the values of freedom and liberty. According to Drew (2021 ), the United States is ranked among the ten worst countries for racial equality in the 2021 Best Countries report and rankings. African Americans are the minority due to the little power and diminished status in American society due to the prejudice against their skin color and origin. Although the U.S population is one of the most racially diverse nations and on its way to becoming a minority-majority nation, race is still a key indicator for social and economic outcomes. For example, African American men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police during their lifetime (Peeples, 2020). The racial bias in policing can be traced back to the slave rebellions and uprisings, which saw black people get arrested for challenging their oppression. Slave patrols were routinely carried out to enhance the submission of the enslaved people of color and prevent any violence (North, 2020). Slavery birthed a vicious cycle of racial bias, and any attempt by black people to demand or exercise their rights was met by violence by law enforcement. Any activism by black people for political, economic, and social rights was then perceived as criminal activity. The mass incarceration of black people in the South served as a basis to label African Americans as criminals, ensuring control over the black population after slavery was abolished (North, 2020). The enforcement system in the United States is now grossly biased against African American men based on the idea that crime should be prevented within certain demographics which disproportionately target black men. Although African Americans are only 13% of the population, they make up more than a quarter of the inmates in prisons across the United States (Peeples, 2020). Such prejudice disproportionately segregates people of color from social and economic opportunities. In a country that is the hallmark of freedom and prosperity, all citizens should enjoy the same rights and access to opportunities.
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Undeniably, racism is an indelible part of the political and social structure of the United States. Racism, deeply rooted in political, social, and economic systems, is pervasive despite the numerous efforts and opportunities to dismantle it. Moments of crisis such as the Covid 19 pandemic reveal and call for the urgent need to confront and deal with the glaring bias and prejudice against black people once and for all. It is fundamental for all American citizens, especially the privileged, to confront and acknowledge the historical injustices against Black Americans and their role in perpetuating an unfair institution that promotes white supremacy. Structural barriers ingrained in socio-political systems, health, and the economy require systemic change that invests more in the socio-economic infrastructure of black communities. This requires the support of political actors who have also played a big role in creating racial inequity, the transformation of organizational policies, and inclusive decision-making. Any strategies and policies created should accommodate minorities and ease their access to opportunities.
As a white person, I believe that the well-being of every individual should be fostered. It might be difficult for us to accept our role in undoing the racial bias ingrained in the American society despite the fact that the unfair system is beneficial to us. However, our country is making progress, but times of crisis call for more self-awareness and more active contributions towards creating friendly policies. Our part involves keenly listening, learning, and understanding the cultural context of prejudice against Black people and confronting our subconscious biases. This will help us take meaningful steps towards equality and inclusion of all American citizens.
References
Drew, K. (2021, April 12). 10 Worst countries for racial equality, ranked by perception. U.S News . https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/worst-countries-for-racial-equality
North, A. (2020, June 6). How racist policing took over American cities, explained by a historian. Vox . https://www.vox.com/2020/6/6/21280643/police-brutality-violence-protests-racism-khalil-muhammad
Peeples, L. (2020). What the data say about police brutality and racial bias — and which reforms might work. Nature , 583 (7814), 22-24. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-01846-z
Williams, J. P. (2021, April 13). America’s struggle to overcome racial inequities. U.S News . https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2021-04-13/americas-struggle-to-overcome-racial-inequities
