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In what ways are systemic racism and discrimination still present in society today?

Timmy Spacey

Systemic racism and discrimination continue to manifest themselves in various forms in our society today. Despite seemingly significant strides made towards achieving equality and justice, there are still disparities based on race, nationality, ethnicity, and gender.

One of the most prominent forms of systemic racism is in our criminal justice system. Many individuals, especially those of color, are more likely to be unfairly targeted and brutalized by law enforcement agencies. Studies have shown that black and brown bodies are far more likely to face severe punishment for the same offense committed by a white person. Moreover, the penal system tends to incarcerate people in a way that perpetuates the entrenched social and economic disadvantages faced by certain communities.

In terms of education, systemic racism is demonstrated in the ongoing inequality in access to quality education among different races. This inequality is caused by a range of factors such as the amount of funding schools receive, lack of inclusivity of diverse curriculum, and bias in grading, among others. Students of color are disproportionately represented in schools with poor infrastructure and fewer resources to enable them to receive quality education, setting them on a trajectory towards a disadvantaged future.

Healthcare too has proven to be rife with systemic racism. The lack of access to adequate healthcare facilities in low-income communities of color has contributed to an increase in health disparities for disadvantaged groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped to shed light on this matter as it has disproportionately impacted communities of color, bringing attention to the broader inequities related to healthcare access.

Systemic racism is also apparent in housing policies, where redlining has led to the exclusion of some communities from receiving mortgages and home ownership opportunities, which has resulted in inequalities in housing and increased poverty for marginalized groups.

Other examples of systemic racism and discrimination include limited representation in media, workplace disparities, and under-representation in leadership positions of organizations.

In conclusion, systemic racism and discrimination remain abundantly present in our society today, despite the efforts made towards achieving a more equitable and just community. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues through education, awareness, and advocacy to create a more peaceful and inclusive society.