The recent events like the death of George Floyd among many (equally important and tragic) others, have left America coloured in shades of Racism. That makes one thing clear- Despite the long standing efforts of advocates and movements, there is a real need to create meaningful action towards Racial Justice and Racial Equality.
Deena Hayes-Greene from Racial Equality Institute talks about a problem that hinders America’s journey towards Racial Freedom.
The real challenge today, she says, “is trying to understand race and racism, its origins and how it's operable in the world and in our systems”.
Racial inequality is systematic and structural in nature. That means that it is deeply rooted in our history and contemporary culture. The problem exists everywhere- In America’s wealth distribution system, healthcare, marketplaces, workplaces, schools, and more.
The fact that there is a real problem at hand, is established. There is a rising wave of conversation around it too. This brings us to a very important factor for driving action towards Racial Equality-
Like other causes, Racial Equality will need support to make progress, and to be normalised.
In just the last couple of decades, America witnessed a dramatic demographic shift.
In 2012, the majority of babies born across the country were Black, Asian, Latino, multiracial or other race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. By 2020, there will be almost a majority of youths under 18 that are of colour.
In February 2020, United States Censor Bureau made a few interesting projections:
For Hispanics and people who are two or more races, high growth rates are largely the result of high rates of natural increase, given the relatively young age structure of these populations. For Asians, the driving force behind their growth is high net international migration.
As of the United States Census Bureau 2019 report, this is a dramatic shift for an America that was 80% White as recently as the 1980s. For the first time, nonwhites and Hispanics were a majority of people under age 16 in 2019. In just 30 years, approx 40% of America’s population is nonwhite or Hispanic.
With a country that’s changing its demographic blueprint at such a fast pace, it becomes important to reflect over the cultural changes that happen along with it. To ensure that America as a cultural capital is ready for such changes, we need to think about how to turn this dialogue and intention into action. Conversations around Racial Equality are more complex today than ever. But when we break it down, it boils down to three main factors:
People differ. They have characteristics that make one individual or a group different from one another. To look at racial equality as a Black-White duality, is a narrow viewpoint. The need is to embrace a definition that reflects a broader diversity within the spectrum. Factors like gender, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, appearance, religion and the multiple identities they associate with are closely tied to race and sometimes affect the lives of people in more ways than they notice.
Tackling the cause of racial equity requires understanding the root cause of why this disparity exists. A society is ‘equitable’ when there is fair treatment, opportunity and advancement of all people. This is achieved most effectively when a country’s policies and institutions support such equal participation. That is when the change can seep to the root of cause.
How normal is the cause of Racial Equality in our daily lives ties very closely to inclusion. It could mean creating environments in which anyone can feel welcomed, respected and supported to participate in the ways they wish to. An inclusive racial environment will be able to embrace differences and offer respect in words and action for all people. This is why recognising unconscious or ‘implicit biases’ becomes an important step towards addressing racial inclusion around us.
Racial equality is rooted in the lived and felt experience of its supporters. Staying connected with advocates through engagements that foster Racial Equality is a great way to contribute to the voice of the movement. Support local groups, people and organizations that talk about difficult issues. In a world where popular opinion is shaped through social media, supporting people and sharing stories goes a long way.
Big changes have small starts. Sometimes, conditionings of the past can lack outlooks of racial equality. This is felt by people in workplaces, or school, a club, supermarket etc. Issues of racial equality can be complex and controversial and contain some ‘uncomfortable truths’. Because you care, try and observe if you espouse some of those norms unknowingly. This can be as simple as using a different synonym for a word that might be offensive to someone in your social groups, or having conversations with people about their experience. Absorbing different perceptions and reflecting them back in your social circles is a great way to foster inclusion around you.
Doing good, is easy when you care. And because you do, you have already come to the other side. Being an important part of the movement for Racial Equality is not a ‘the-chosen-one’ kind of an affair. You can create significant meaning in people’s lives just by devoting a couple of hours a week, working from home.
End. (Concluding para).
Racial Equality - A complete Guide
Black Homeschooling in America
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Why black businesses need your support
Why Racial Equality Matters
From Charity to Justice: How employees can help
Racial justice in times of crisis
Corporate volunteering: Making Potential meet Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunity: A thousand Colors of Justice
Volunteering Opportunity: Bridge the Gap in Education
Volunteering Opporrtunity: Inspire College Students
Racial Justice in times of Crisis
Volunteering Opportunity: Record Inspiring Stories
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