Modern Times Racism
Racism and Its Effect on the Youth
Through the decades of recent, racism has played a very important role in the social and psychological growth and development of children and adolescents. Times have changed and the effects of racism on this particular demographic area have changed drastically. It is difficult to judge if the change has been for the better or worse, but most like to believe it was for the betterment of the world. Racism will likely never end, but society can change the way it handles the elements of racism and the lasting effects it has. “For more than four decades, the notion that racism and physical prejudice don’t fully develop in humans until the teen or adult years has been at the root of research into racism” (Burnett III , 2012). It has been discovered that children develop racial prejudices at a much younger age than originally theorized. “New research not yet published by Mahzarin Banaji, a renowned Harvard University psychologist, brain researcher, and racism and physical prejudice expert, and colleagues suggests that even though they may not understand the “why’’ of their feelings, children exposed to racism tend to accept and embrace it as young as age 3, and in just a matter of days” (Burnett III , 2012) This is difficult for many people to embrace, but the question is what, if any, lasting effect do these racial notions have upon the young child or adolescent? It is easy to come to the conclusion that racism can have a disparaging effect on children and adolescents. These results can range from criminal behavior, aggression, depression, and more fatal outcomes such as suicide. “Children who experience discrimination are more susceptible to becoming depressed, new studies suggest” (Oliver & Grohol Psy. D. , 2010). This psychosocial stressor has created depression and lowered self-esteem among each age group, and these results can lead to unsuccessful stressors for minorities. Racist incidents lead to changes of world
Through the decades of recent, racism has played a very important role in the social and psychological growth and development of children and adolescents. Times have changed and the effects of racism on this particular demographic area have changed drastically. It is difficult to judge if the change has been for the better or worse, but most like to believe it was for the betterment of the world. Racism will likely never end, but society can change the way it handles the elements of racism and the lasting effects it has. “For more than four decades, the notion that racism and physical prejudice don’t fully develop in humans until the teen or adult years has been at the root of research into racism” (Burnett III , 2012). It has been discovered that children develop racial prejudices at a much younger age than originally theorized. “New research not yet published by Mahzarin Banaji, a renowned Harvard University psychologist, brain researcher, and racism and physical prejudice expert, and colleagues suggests that even though they may not understand the “why’’ of their feelings, children exposed to racism tend to accept and embrace it as young as age 3, and in just a matter of days” (Burnett III , 2012) This is difficult for many people to embrace, but the question is what, if any, lasting effect do these racial notions have upon the young child or adolescent? It is easy to come to the conclusion that racism can have a disparaging effect on children and adolescents. These results can range from criminal behavior, aggression, depression, and more fatal outcomes such as suicide. “Children who experience discrimination are more susceptible to becoming depressed, new studies suggest” (Oliver & Grohol Psy. D. , 2010). This psychosocial stressor has created depression and lowered self-esteem among each age group, and these results can lead to unsuccessful stressors for minorities. Racist incidents lead to changes of world
Cited: King Jr., M. L. (1963, August 28). I have a Dream. Washington D.C., USA. n/a. (2010, May 3). Discrimination Is Associated With Depression Among Minority Children. Retrieved from Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100502080240.htm Oliver, R., & Grohol Psy Pachter DO, L. M., & Coll PhD, C. G. (2009). Racism and Child Health: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Journal of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, 255-263. Rhodes, Ph.D., W. A., Saunders MSW, M., & Saunders, M. (2005). Effects of Racism and Prejudice on Children. williamgladdenfoundation.org. Winkler PhD, E. N. (2009). Children Are Not Color Blind: How Young Children Learn Race. Milwaukee: University of Wisconsin Milwauke, High Tech Learning INC.