What are some ways in which one can be socialized to think or behave in racist ways - Essay Example

Racist thinking and behaviour Racism, just like other forms of prejudicial thinking such as ageism and sexism is as a result of the social norms within the human societies. The human social norms consist of the manner in which people are socialized through the different life process under varying conditions of their backgrounds (Vic, and Shaffir 199). The nature of caregiving during childhood, through which one grows into adulthood from a given surrounding culture, forms the manner in which the human brain innately works.

From the initial development of an individual, their minds form a pattern of thinking and this perception of every aspect of societal life. Racism is in an individual’s mind set. It is an attitude that is inculcated into people’s minds depending on similar or related attitudes of family members as well as other surrounding members of the society (Vic, and Shaffir 201). Parents and other people with whom people have exposure are in a position of influence, play a pivotal role in shaping people’s mind into racist thinking.

Some people can learn to change some of the racist ideas to some extent, depending on how accommodative their future environments would be. However, when one grows up to internalize that a given race is inferior, in which it becomes a tall order to eradicate it from their mind sets (Vic, and Shaffir 206).Given the long history of racist practises in many parts of the world such as America, where the White Americans have discriminated against the African Americans (blacks), it is a fact that a successful anti-racist nation is a cumbersome process.

The idea of racism seems to have taken deeper roots into the mind sets of a larger section of the world over the past centuries. However, with more intense interactions in various fields such as higher education, there is future hope for more accommodative minds among the upcoming generation. Work citedSatzewich, Vic, and William Shaffir. "Racism versus Professionalism: Claims and Counter-claims about Racial Profiling 1." Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice/La Revue canadienne de criminologie et de justice pénale 51.2 (2009): 199-226.