Politics and the Economy’s Impact on Racial Bias

Cases of Racial Discrimination

Cases of racial discrimination have decreased over time. In the past, the American government has prioritized efforts to lower racial prejudice, such as during the post-Civil War reconstruction phase. Although politics and the economics are important factors in the problem of racial discrimination, solutions are being presented, such as enhancing education in the black population (Gregoire, 2015).

Impact of Politics

During the election season, politicians take advantage of racial discrimination. For instance, both white expectations and racism influenced President Obama’s campaign. The president avoided discussing race or putting forth ideas for legislation that would help the black community. Whereas, the opposition played the race card. They argued that Obama was born in Kenya, therefore not qualified to vie. His citizenship was discredited for nearly three years. Politicians capitalize on racism. They mobilize voters to polling stations through racial agendas. Besides, in the history of the United States, black political leaders were regularly assassinated. Politicians use propaganda to catalyze racism. When blacks are pursuing political power, they are despised because they were once slaves. Recent research asserts that the young white population supported President Obama’s opposition in the electoral process. Also, they supported the Republican Party in the Congress in most of the bills (McElwee, 2015).

Role of Economy

On the other hand, when kids from the minority groups such as African-American are not offered equal opportunities, their full future is denied. When qualified workers from the minority communities are denied better jobs, their families are denied security too. The society fails in some fundamental ways when minorities are offered lesser opportunity versions, for instance, opportunities in education, as well as the labor market and so on (Omi & Winant, 2014).

Most of the time, the economic tool is used to discriminate the minority communities such as the African-Americans. Every year, the United States loses billions because of wasted productivity. The criminal records of members of the black community are used to strip them from work. Immigrant workers who could do more than low-wage jobs are misallocated. Recent research asserts that the economy of the United States could develop if the people of color and whites are treated equally.

Ways to Reduce Racial Discrimination

According to Manuel Pastor, the director of the Environmental and Regional Equity programs, the level of racial discrimination cannot be reduced through a general talk. Furthermore, addressing the factors causing racial prejudice such as black men incarceration will help eliminate the problem. Improving the economic opportunities of the minority communities such as the African-Americans narrows the racial discrimination. For instance, the level of racial inequality reduced in the 1960s upon rising of the incomes of the blacks. Workers are best matched to their jobs with racial bias. African-Americans should be offered more education as well as skills to improve the productivity of low-wage workers (Reich, 2017). Families spend more money in the economy, when they earn more, as a result driving the demand further. On the other hand, the growing challenge of racism can be solved by the element of love.

Conclusion

A change of education and resource allocation framework is required to ensure racial equality. Both governments as well the private sector should act together to address entrenched discrimination. The marginalized races’ social as well as economic needs should be treated fairly. Because of the changing demographics, there is expected growth in the potential economic and political benefits of racial equality. Also, countries save vast amounts of money if the stable income families increase because they would require fewer public benefits, for instance, welfare.

References

Gregoire Carolyn., 2015. A psychologist explanation of why racism persists in America.

McElwee Sean., 2015. The hidden racism of young white Americans.

Omi, M., & Winant, H. (2014). Racial formation in the United States. Routledge.

Reich, M. (2017). Racial inequality: A political-economic analysis. Princeton University Press.