Racism in society.

Essay by unknown004High School, 11th gradeA, November 2005

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Racism is a controversial issue. Racism, however, often have played the central role in such conflicts. Racism is the intentional or unintentional use of power to isolate, separate and exploit others as defined in the Webster dictionary. People generally respond to others differently based on what they know, which may include superficial characteristics often associated with race.

In this paper this writer's goal is to give an opinion of how she feels that racism will affect the Americas. In doing such she will base information from Webster's definition of Racism, reading assigned for the course, and some of her own ideas on ways to overcome this obstacle as a nation. Global change has to start small and travel abroad.

Racism has historically been defined as the belief that race is the primary determinant of human capacities, that a certain race is inherently superior or inferior to others, and/or that individuals should be treated differently according to their racial designation.

Sometimes racism means beliefs, practices, and institutions that discriminate against people based on their perceived or ascribed race. While the sin of racism is an age-old phenomenon based on ignorance, fear, estrangement, and false pride, some of its ugliest manifestations have taken place in our time. Racism and irrational prejudices operate in a vicious circle. Racism is among the worst of ingrained prejudices that characterize sinful human beings.

Racism's ultimate goal, according to Fredrickson, is to establish a permanent hierarchal order that, has two components: difference and power.

Dictionaries are not much help in understanding what is meant by the word. They usually define it as the belief that one's own ethnic stock is superior to others, or as the belief that culture and behavior are rooted in race. When Americans speak of racism they mean a great deal more than...