The Effect of Impartial Education on Racism

“I can’t breathe.”

It’s been six years since Eric Garner uttered his last words trapped underneath the grip of a police officer. It’s been six months since George Floyd did the same. In the middle of a pandemic, “I can't breathe” serves as a rally call for activists calling for the most basic of human rights. Because in 2020, the right to breathe- and the ability to do so equally for certain minorities- is not guaranteed. The national uprising in response to systemic racism has been met with shock, fear, anger, and concern. Across America, streets have been filled with multiracial young people who have had enough. Change is wanted. Change is needed. Racism has been a constant problem that has plagued minorities for thousands of years. Educating young people about the horrors of racism is the only way to ensure that the future is one of equal rights and non-discriminatory practices.

The Terrors Of Racism

For people of color, racism creates mental barriers that can influence self confidence levels, finances, and general living conditions. According to Mental Health America, people of color (who have faced racial trauma at some point) “are three times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD and clinical depression.” (source- Racism and Mental Health). In other words, racist and discriminatory practices have been adding to the number of mental health crises around the world by destroying self confidence. Clearly, suicide and other mental health problems are important issues affecting this population. However, the impact of this kind of racism is not just psychological -– it also creates a vicious cycle of social and economic marginalisation. As Professor Tahmi Perzichilli points out, black people are less likely to be homeowners and to be unemployed due to a “long history of employment discrimination and other discriminatory practices.” (source - Finance and Race). Because of these factors, people of color have fewer access to stable jobs, good wages, and retirement benefits at work— all key drivers by which American families gain access to savings. To sum up, the intensity and frequency of racism leads to a variety of detrimental effects for people of color but there are ways to undermine this.

A Possible Remedy

Although racism remains a global problem, it could be eliminated through the effective implementation of diversity training programs in schools and workplaces. Research from the American Sociology Association reveals that white Americans who complete at least 16 years of education are more likely to “renounce structural explanations for racial inequality and advocate for equality.” (source- The Effects of Education on Beliefs about Racial Inequality). Alternatively stated, being exposed to unbiased education has a significant change in the attitudes of people who have not experienced disrimintation. A study conducted by the American Sociology Association discussing the relationship between race and career proves this point. Prior to unbiased education, 58 to 61 percent of participants voiced that black disadvantages in careers were due to “insufficient motivation on the part of people of color.” However, after fully understanding the importance of social justice, between 68 and 73 percent agreed that “discrimination is a factor in failing careers.” (source- The Effects of Education on Beliefs about Racial Inequality) Clearly, unbiased education has an impact on people. To summarize, impartial education is the only true way to prevent racism’s rapid progression.

Although racism has had many horrible impacts on the world, there are solutions to keep this everyday monster extinct. Racism has harmed mental health for centuries, putting a whole population of people at risk. However, by educating the general population about the evils of oppression, racism could be halted. Racism is taught; which means it can also be untaught. After all, humans brought racism into existence and it is our duty to destroy it.