Essays

Racism is objectively defined as 'any practice of ethnic discrimination or segregation'. Fortunately, racial violence is steadily declining as the turn of the century approaches. Now a new form of racism, covert racism, has recently sprung from the pressures of political correctness. This new form of racism, although slowly declining, still shows signs of strong support. Covert racism assumes a form of civil disobedience against politically correct thought and speech. Essentially, covert racism is a 'hidden' racism, or racism not easily detected.

The three different basic forms of racism are open racism, violent racism, and covert racism. All express forms of hatred towards distinct ethnic groups. These basic forms of racism, although different in form, all have the same main purpose, to promote racism.

Open racism expresses freedom of racial thought and speech. Open racists promote their views through strictly persuasion tactics. Open racism is currently almost nonexistent and steadily declining, because it is considered politically incorrect and socially unacceptable.

Violent racism promotes racism through violence, fear, and persuasion tactics. This form of racism is not protected because it promotes violence to express its ideas. Unfortunately many violent racial groups claim they do not promote violence, and therefore these groups are protected because not enough sufficient evidence exists to prove their violent intentions.

Covert racism expresses ideas of racism in disguised forms. Sometimes the covert racist is not even aware of the fact that he is racist. People nowadays are reluctant to express openly their dislike of and contempt for minorities, indeed are not prepared to express publicly a sentiment that could be interpreted as racist.

Avoiding minorities on the street and denial of a public benefit to a minority which would be awarded to a white are examples of covert racism. Covert racism is the most abundant form of racism in our society today.

What causes racism? Unfortunately, the answer is much longer and detailed than the question. The three main causes for racism are: racism has become part of our heritage, right-wing racial and political groups, and pride m one's own race.

Practically since the dawn of man's existence man has undoubtedly noticed differences between races. Frequently throughout history the ethnic group with the most power has assumed that its race and culture are superior to others. Racism's roots lie deep within the foundation of our society. These roots undoubtedly are the source for a great many of the racist groups and covert racism ideas found throughout our society.

Racist groups now make extensive use of covert racism to extend their message of racism throughout our society. This form of racism has proven quite effective in the past ten years, 'at persuading others to adopt racist ideas. These groups serve as a symbol of racism itself to many in our society.

A large source of the racism present in our society stems from one's pride in his own race. Many people, especially those associated with racist groups, find it necessary to put down other ethnic groups in an attempt to strengthen their own. This mode of thought and reasoning usually results in extreme hatred of other races and an overall sense of bigotry. Reasoning in this manner equates to many associated with racist groups. Pride in one's race may eventually lead to covert racism thought.

In order to put an end to racism, we must, first of all make our political system racially unbiased before our society may become more ethnically diverse. If all men are created equal, then why should differences in race matter? Unfortunately our society has not lived up to the standards set by its forefathers. Racism, especially covert racism, still affects our society socially. Covert racism is a form of civil disobedience for racists to spread ideas of racism throughout our society.