The perception of race relations

by Men of Dominion

The perception of race relations differs depending upon the individual(s) conducting the conversation. There are people who feel that progress is being made in the effort to become a more inclusive society. There are also those who feel just the opposite and view society as having become more divisive. Although contrasting the societal perceptions of both groups of people are important.

The ability to accept the reality of the environment that some reside in is essential if any real closure is going to take place. When discussing race relations several factors have to be considered before an accurate assessment can be made.

One of the factors that has to be evaluated is the level of racism existent in your environment. Racism is a danger, which has plagued America throughout the existence of this nation. Secondly would be your personal disposition towards people who may have issues with the uniqueness of others.

There are obviously other factors that impact that state of race relations, but the important factors are those that shape your personal viewpoint. Race relations have played an important role in every success or failure you have encountered during your lifetime.

One person can make a difference in the efforts to create an increased level of race equality, but everything that has been accomplished was accomplished with the assistance of others, whether viewable or non-viewable.

The failures in your life have also involved others directly or indirectly. Ultimately there is only one "Race" in the world. The Human Race. The problem is that everyone does not view themselves as part of an all inclusive race. There are stereotypes that to some present fixed perceptions of certain groups of people.

This is perceived to be one way some justify their separatist viewpoint of race relations. The situation turns somewhat problematic when overlapping associations occur.

People are more likely to form conceptual associations, which are similar to associations they already have. Familiar beliefs are easier to accept and believe when they are re-affirming and supportive of a point of view. When people conceptualize about other people of various heritage and/or cultures they quite naturally use associations and create stereotypes.

With everything that has been stated thus far the fact remains that the majority of people want race relations to improve. They understand the importance of a culture, which positively displays the inclusive elements of a progressive society.

They also want children to have the opportunity to be exposed to the unique cultures existent in society. The most difficult aspect of closing the gap when referencing race relations might be the ability to have society as a whole become open minded to considering different perspectives.

Race relations is a subject that could be dissected into a multitude of subcategories, but it seems that no matter what category is chosen the underlying reasons for its current state always comes back to stereotypes.

Unfortunately in today’s society, race relations have been enormously affected by the racism, prejudice and stereotypes that some have allowed to become their reality. The ability to let go of an era in which race relations were allowed to erode still plagues the disposition of many.

Stereotypes of African Americans, Europeans, Asians, Hispanics and Jewish cultures have seemingly created a divide that could be passed on to the next generation of youth. Born into ignorance the hope is that this new generation of technologically astute individuals will continue their pattern of establishing their own generational style, and judge people by the character of their existence and not their ethnicity.
Good race relations are essential to every aspect of life, and the ability or inability of all nationalities to except the fact that imperfections exist within every race is vital. The key is working together to find resolve for issues that are within your control.

When examining the far-reaching impact of the state of race relations, it has been argued that the divisiveness existent in society today has begun a process of implosion beginning with the educational system. Some suggest that students are not being taught effectively, because of their race, and that it is to some degree a by-product of society’s divisive state.

The increasing growth levels of alternative schools for youth has also been suggested as being a by-product of the current state of race relations. It has also been argued that the inability of some races to openly address the fears they have when referencing others races hinders any real progress.

A relationship of some kind has to be developed, and ironically, even prejudice and discrimination imply some sort of relationship. If there is no relationship people would be completely unaware of another person’s or group’s existence.

While others state that unrealistic and overly hostile stereotypes can often be broken or at least limited when a party unexpectedly take some type of conciliatory action which would have been unthinkable had the stereotype been true.

Some believe that even the media has an impact on the perception of race relations. Some have stated that the intent of the media is to attract viewers to its news broadcast and in some instances the best and most effective way of securing viewers is to emphasize societal indifferences that revolve around controversial topics such as race relations.

The pursuit of a better quality of life for society as a whole is an enormous endeavor, but one will hopefully be resolved during the earthly presence of this generation. This generation deserves every positive thing society has to offer, and that includes the positive diversity of an all-inclusive society.

Another aspect of race relations that can not be excluded is racial profiling, but as Heather Mac Donald of the City Journal writes: "the anti-racial juggernaut must be stopped before it obliterates the crime fighting gains of the last decade."

Anti-profiling activists hope to make police racism an all but irrefutable presumption whenever enforcement statistics show high rates of minority stops and arrests.
But not so fast. Before reviewing the evidence that profiling critics offer, recall the demands that law enforcement officers face every day.

According to some of those who feel that racial profiling is not a myth, the attack on illegal drugs has become an attack of minorities on and off the roadways. The alleged evidence for racial profiling comes in two ways: anecdotal, which is limited value, and statistical, which upon examination proves entirely worthless. Comments suggesting that law enforcement officers intentionally single out minorities are ultimately assessed as true or false based on accrued statistical figures.

Some argue that in order to properly evaluate allegations of racial profiling specific questions must be addressed. Such as do minorities commit more of the kinds of traffic violations that law enforcement officers target? Although appropriate it is a taboo question amongst those who believe in the existence of racial profiling, asking the question is perceived to reveal one’s racism. No one has come forward with conclusive study results, but some evidence suggests that it may be the case.

Unfortunately, the flurry of racial profiling analysis is not confined to the roadways. Several factors contribute to the perceptions of race relations, but as stated by some it is imperative that society continue to look ahead and remain or become committed to being part of a new all inclusive era of race relations. Racism, prejudice, discrimination and racial profiling are argued as being a destructive force in today’s society.

The real question is to what degree if any are they factors in your environment. Are race relations a matter of opinion or a reality waiting to spread? You decide.