Systematic Racism

Words: 1143
Pages: 5

Success is something everyone strives for, no matter what their background or upbringing is. People around the world work their whole lives to achieve their dreams and achieve success. However, most peoples’ ability to attain this is handicapped by the oppressive nature of our society. Systematic racism in the United States dates back to the origins of our nation. Minority groups have been oppressed due to stereotypes, supposed white supremacy, and the racial hierarchy that has been instilled in our society. The American Dream during the 1920s was to have a traditional nuclear family which included a high-status working husband, a traditional at-home wife, and successful children. As times have changed, the definition of this goal has changed …show more content…
The stereotypes imposed on minority groups and the preimposed notion that people have of them, set them back from being able to be successful. This is exposed because “[d]ue to a negative stigma that has been established about African Americans, many live their entire lives trying to refute the degrading, humiliating and offensive racial images and stereotypes that have plagued their race in scientific fields and in other areas of life. Regardless of the factors, the talents of many African Americans who may have persisted in science are being wasted due to an institutional design that discourages their involvement at predominately white institutions. Many African Americans with declared scientific majors who attend predominantly white institutions find themselves struggling due to a design that “weeds them out” (Green). The author talks about his first-hand experience as an African American in the science field and how race is the first thing people see and the stereotypes against black people cause people to not trust and accept the potential they have, further halting their …show more content…
Even outside of the United States, many face the same issues, and most people seek to escape this and move to America where the American Dream seems more attainable, however, it is not because our system only sees race and acts against it. Although the region people live in does strongly influence the American Dream, the dream can be achieved regardless of it. Investigations from economists from countless universities and organizations “show that the numerous variables that define neighborhoods — such as the quality of their school districts, poverty rates and conditions that influence social capital in a community — all have lasting impacts on children’s future income. While it may seem obvious that a good neighborhood may translate into better chances for success in adulthood, it also highlights that being immersed in these areas at a young age is important — and that sociological forces, while difficult to quantify, play an important role in economic prospects” (“Achieving the American dream”). Some research does exist to support that region is the main factor that affects the achievability of the American