Racism

Racism is an enduring, salient aspect of social and global structures. It is based on demonstrably false theories of racial differences appropriated by a culture in order to deny or unjustly distribute social privileges, economic opportunities, and political rights to the racially stigmatized groups. Racism, thus, structures social differences, power, and culture, as when, according to George Fredrickson, “one ethnic group or historical collectivity dominates, excludes, or seeks to eliminate another on the basis of differences that it believes are hereditary and unalterable” (1)

Racism creates elements of prejudice and discrimination and if not controlled it can undermine human relationships. Most Europeans and U.S. residents do not think of themselves as racist. However, because of socioeconomic concerns, these same people might opt for harsher and stricter immigrant policies and will often not support full integration and social cohesion of minority groups in the society. This attitude is exemplified by strict immigration control and policies. Although not racially explicit, the strict immigration policies of the Western industrialized countries will prohibit the entry of anyone deemed to be “unsuitable,” or not fulfilling certain entry requirements, thus, effectively limiting the entry of “undesirable” ethnic groups. (2)