Racism In Mainstream American Society

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Racism is not something one can control; it is a characteristic of mainstream American society that has been embedded into our culture from the very first conquest of Native American land. We, as members of American society, have been taught through watching others actions, how to designate who falls into which rank on the social ladder. While we would like to think that placement on the social ladder is determined by success, criminal record, or potential, the only classifier is race. With white people resting at the top of the social pyramid, it is very easy to forget about the existence of the proverbial ladder and blame the social organization based on the qualities previously listed. We, as white members of society, don’t often realize …show more content…
When thinking about racism from the perspective of a white, advantaged person, the first reaction is to think of African Americans or African American Nationalism, ignoring other races that, too, fall victim to microaggression and judgement. In fact, it is those who do not fit into the categories of “black” or “white” that feel the most ostracized from mainstream American society. While we do not necessarily try to form two distinct categories in American society, it happens, nonetheless, forcing many people of different cultures feel as if they must un-identify themselves with their culture/ heritage. As one latino-american said said in his NYT interview, “In trying to blend in with American culture, I gave up a lot of my own.” Similarly, many “minorities” who are not distinctly black or white feel as if they must conform to either of the given distinct racial groups, even if it means abandoning their own …show more content…
It is not that I don’t want to acknowledge the racism that exists in modern society, but more that I feel guilty for the race that I am. While yes, it is innately easier to be white, in this era in which political activism is high, it sometimes feels almost cynical to be white. I recognise that I, as a white American, am more privileged than most. This privilege, however, can make some who are of other backgrounds hesitant to open up to me about their opinion on race. Although I know that it is difficult for me to relate to the struggle felt by some people of other ethnicities, I am a person who likes to learn appropriate ways to interact with people from listening to other people's experience with racism. However, just like every other race, white people are generalized about too, by every other race that makes up American society. I, for one, do not want to be seen as just-another-white-racist, but I know that's how a large portion of the country views me. And yes, I understand and acknowledge that what I endure is not marginally as difficult as what people of other races endure. Nevertheless, for racism to be diminished (or better yet, eliminated), not only do “whites” have to break down their collective
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