Forms of Discrimination - Essay Example

Modern racism Modern racism over the years has evolved from mostly aggressive and physical prejudicial behaviour to a more clever and indirect prejudicial behavior. This type of indirect prejudicial behavior has evolved to a degree that is quite hard to notice, yet it is considered to be more severe. This subtle modern form of discrimination has found its way into the workplace. Despite many organizations promising equal opportunities, there is little doubt that every person gets equal treatment within their working environment. Indirect modern racism creates an image that looks more correct politically, where a politically correct form of discriminating is via a “polite” type of racism. In the past days, racism was easily defined and quite institutional. Glass ceiling effect is one of the many forms of modern discrimination. This effect gives a description of “invisible” differences that occur in appraisals, position and salary amongst women and men. The Federal Glass Ceiling Commission claims that its only (7-9)% of all senior managers working at Fortune 1000 companies are women(Federal Glass Ceiling Commission,iii) inspite of the women making up over half of the workforce. The mindset that particular races are worse or better with certain abilities is another form of modern racism. For instance, blacks are naturally regarded as being athletic and the notion that white athletes are not able to jump. Hispanics for instance are taken to be less intelligent whereas Asians are regarded as being intelligent. All of the above myths are just but innate manifestations, imbedded in the minds of all those listen. Most of the time there is no familiarity with individuals from the other groups, which makes us unconsciously to discriminate against persons who are different from us. Even though some firms are still aggressively and blatantly discriminating against some races, the Civil Rights Acts forbids such discrimination. Patrick Buchanan’s article about deconstructing America argues that equality, diversity and democracy will ultimately die in America. Buchanan is therefore suggesting in “Deconstructing America” that one day democracy, diversity and equality will finally become a thing of the past and would eventually become the elements for deconstruction of America. Patrick feels that these are elements that America does not need and that a nation that is based on this would be unable to survive. Buchanan is of the opinion that the belief that diversity is important in America is just but a myth. I totally disagree with Buchanan’s opinion since I am of the belief that diversity, on a daily basis gives a balance and that democracy and equality is something that America really needs. Buchanan in the passage argues, “No matter the lies we tell ourselves and teach our children, no great republic or empire-not Persia…ever rose because it embraced democracy, diversity and equality”(466).Going back to the founding principles of our nation, you realise that America was founded on democracy, diversity and equality. This is the reason I am opposed to Buchanan’s opinion. The new trinity is therefore in co-existence with the other founding principles of America which include life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Though there have been hiccups when it comes to successful implementation of each of these principles, America still rides on the hope that one day every American will embrace these virtues in his/her heart and that they will be the guiding light of America. Buchanan is opposed to the new trinity and is anti-diversity. He strongly believes that if America becomes more diverse then, the less of a nation it becomes. I strongly disagree with this opinion and I do believe that diversity is very crucial to America. I am of the belief that diversity strengthens our nation as a whole because there is a lot of learning from one another despite the color of our skin, ethnicity, religion or any other specific quality that makes us different from one another. In his book, “The Death of the West”, Buchanan says,”Uncontroled immigration threatens to deconstruct the nation we grew up in and convert America into a conglomeration of people with almost nothing in common.”(Buchanan, 2002).I am also opposed to this viewpoint because being different cuts across all of us .There are several immigrants in America who do not feel as if they have deconstructed America. The common goal for all Americans is to look and find better opportunities which many people believe that America can offer. When you talk a walk down the busy streets of 42nd street, you are able to see different faces. Walking down the road you are able to see a different food stores and you witness Americans eating Chinese food and Chinese on the other hand eating American food. This is what diversity is all about. (Collier P, Horowitz D, 1991) Buchanan further believes that because of the various instances we have witnessed throughout history such as in Virginia, Jamestown and various empires, equality and diversity will never last. What Buchanan is suggesting is the complete opposite of what Americans are trying to practice and implement today. If we were to go Buchanan’s way, then it would be like taking a trip back in time to a familiar place we once were. I understand Buchanan’s stand and where he is coming from by arguing that if we fail to assimilate and unite with a singular goal, then America is bound to fall apart due to our differences. In a way, we all need to come together and forge a similar belief so that we can instill the views and laws that we have got as Americans. However this is what makes America the kind of place it is. We are completely at liberty to relate freely as members of various ethnicities, races and religions. We can also have different views on various issues, be able to interact and mix together irrespective of our differences and most importantly agree and also disagree on various subjects. I can see what Buchanan is arguing but with the numerous differences we have; it is difficult to find a consensus since we all need to have some say and agreement on the running of America. (Collier P, Horowitz D, 1991) Equality and diversity are therefore here to stay. Thus these two elements have been able to reduce the tension that was there in the past which saw the major victims (Negroes) of race prejudice suffer a lot. This racial problem was originated and mostly perpetuated by Southerners who were non-capitalists. This persecution of Negroes was quite disgraceful. This later changed with the human rights movements which came into play in the mid 20th century and slowly give way under the pressure that came with enlightenment and the economic interests of the white man. Diversity and equality have thus completely modernized the racist atmosphere and made things easier for the victims of persecution. (Ayn, 1963) The ideals of diversity and equality have led to the rise of capitalism, with the US being the freest nation on earth, and with the best refutation of theories on racism. Thus men of all cadres and races come to the US, some from culturally undistinguished and obscure countries and manage to attain feats of generative ability which could have remained undiscovered in their firmly control-ridden motherlands. Thus in the US men from various racial groups which have been slaughtering each other for eons, have learnt to co-exist together in peaceful and harmonious co-operation. America has been referred to as the “melting pot” with a good reason. However few people realize that the US did not just melt men into gray conformity of a collective: America united them by protecting their individuality rights. Today racism is completely different from what it used to be. Racism is now less severe, people have more rights including those of voting and for the first time in history the US has a democratically elected black president. Equality is being implemented and the wheels of diversity, equality and democracy are fast turning to greater speeds, making races freer and more tolerant (Ayn, 1963) . Work cited Collier Peter, Horowitz David. Deconstructing the left:from Vietnam to the Persian Gulf. New York: Amazon.com, 1991. Patrick,Buchanan. The Death of The West:how dying populations and immigrant invasions imperil our country and civilization. New York: St.Martins Press, 2002. Rand, Ayn. The Virtue of Selfishness:A New Concept of Egoism. New York: New American Library, 1963. Work Cited http://www.units.miamioh.edu/psybersite/workplace/modernweb.shtml Read More