Racial Education For A Friendly Pluralistic Society
We live in a diverse society. Yet despite the diversity that exists in our world, many people struggle to accept others who are different from them. This creates a society where people have to hide their uniqueness to fit in; it creates a society where discrimination is enhanced. For any society to be progressive, it must consist of people who know that they share differences but who are willing to work together and learn from each other. In multiracial societies like the U.S., it is important for people to learn about other races so they can live in peace. Most multiracial societies share the problem of racism: discrimination that is focused on people because of their race. This discrimination is based on a flawed system of thinking that places some races above others in a set scale of superiority.
In 2020, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black people sparked protests across the nation. Floyd and Taylor’s deaths were the result of racial profiling by the police, but people of color face discrimination which manifests in many different ways including name calling, negative media stereotyping, and discrimination at work. According to a 2018 study conducted in New York City, 88 percent of police stops involved Black people and Latinos, while only 10 percent involved Whites. Furthermore, while research has shown that Black and White Americans use drugs at similar rates, Black Americans are six times more likely to be arrested for it. The discrimination minorities face can come in many different forms—with some more subtle than others. What’s worse, the effects are lifelong and often passed down through the generations. The outlook on race relations is not entirely bleak. Racial discrimination is a learned behaviour. It can be put to an end if people learn to accept diversity.
Racial education involves acquiring knowledge on race, inequality, and injustice. It is important for everyone to understand the concept of race and the disadvantages of racism to society as a whole. Avoiding conversations about race worsens the state of discrimination in our society. Fostering conversations around discrimination will help people come to terms with the fact that there is a problem in our society: racism. Teachers, parents, and schools administrators can create awareness programs and events that make children more aware of race and racially based discrimination.
In all of these methods, a friendly pluralistic society is the goal. A pluralistic society is a diverse society in which individuals are tolerant of beliefs and cultures that do not align with their own.
The United States of America was built to be a pluralistic society. Unfortunately, much of U.S. history shows our nation failing to achieve this ideal. A friendly pluralistic society can be achieved when people realize that all races, cultures, and social groups matter. When people learn to be more open-minded about race, our society will be a much better place. Friendships and collaborations between people of different races will grow a better society.
The matter of race is very important and to build a friendly pluralistic society, we all must do our part. We can work towards peace and friendliness in a racially diverse society by first learning about race. Then we can accept that we are all unique and different in our own ways but that everyone should be treated fairly. We can raise awareness of discrimination through open discussions. Federal and State authorities can then step in to work against discriminatory laws and cultures, as well as deciding punishments for offenders. We must also remember that race is not a taboo topic. Parents should help their children understand what discrimination looks like. No race is superior to another. We are all unique individuals who are capable of inspiring positive change in our society. We all should learn about race and come together to make our world better.
Gimbiya Galadima is a fourth-year medical student and creative writer. She is very passionate about African literature. She is an avid reader of writers such as Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiongo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Cyprian Ekwensi, Buchi Emecheta, and Chinua Achebe. Gimbiya writes all sorts of pieces, but she focuses on poetry and flash fiction.
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