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How has racial targeting evolved over time and what implications does this have for society?

Saniyah Lynnitt

Racial targeting has evolved over time in various ways, each having its own implications for society. Historically, racial targeting was overt and visible, with individuals being openly discriminated against due to their race or ethnicity. However, as society progressed and became more diverse, these forms of overt racial targeting became less acceptable and were outlawed.

Despite this, more covert forms of racial targeting have persisted and evolved. One notable form is unconscious bias, which refers to implicit attitudes and stereotypes that individuals unconsciously hold towards different racial and ethnic groups. These unconscious biases can manifest in various ways, such as in hiring decisions or even in the way products are marketed.

Another form of racial targeting that has emerged is the use of technology to target individuals based on their race. For example, facial recognition technology has been shown to be less accurate when identifying individuals with darker skin tones. This can have serious implications, especially for law enforcement, whereby individuals may be wrongly identified and subjected to harmful repercussions simply due to their skin color.

These forms of racial targeting have significant implications for society. Firstly, they perpetuate inequalities and injustices that exist in society. For example, if hiring decisions are made based on unconscious bias, it may result in different racial groups being systematically excluded from certain jobs. This can lead to increased levels of poverty and disparities in social status between different racial groups.

Secondly, these forms of racial targeting can also contribute to a heightened sense of distrust and division between different racial groups. When individuals feel that they are being targeted unfairly, it can create a sense of anger and resentment towards those perpetrating the targeting, leading to further tensions between different groups.

Lastly, these forms of racial targeting can also have real-world consequences, including physical harm and even loss of life. For instance, in the United States, there have been several high-profile cases in which unarmed Black individuals were killed by law enforcement due to implicit bias and racial profiling.

In conclusion, racial targeting has evolved over time and is still present in modern society. It comes in various forms and can have significant implications, perpetuating inequalities and injustices, fostering division, and even resulting in physical harm. It is crucial that individuals and institutions alike work tirelessly to root out all forms of racial targeting and promote a more equitable and just society for all.