Racism can be defined as the belief that characteristics and abilities can attributed to people simply on the basis of their race. Researchers have identified racism in education, employment, housing, health care, public welfare, and social services. Racism is a pressing issue that occurs on a daily basis and it silently closes the doors of opportunity to young and old alike. Consequently, it is a pressing issue and is a matter of priority for the international community to encounter the problem at its core. The United Nations has been keenly concerned with this issue since its foundation and has embarked on a fight to stop discrimination across the world. In 2001, the United Nations’ World Conference against Racism produced the most authoritative, comprehensive program for competing racial discrimination and has encouraged many countries to take affirmative steps to confront against racism. Despite the continuing efforts to stop racial discrimination, the Durban Review Conference in 2009 produced a conclusion that much remained to be achieved in overcoming racism.
The United States Stance on the Topic
Discrimination permeates all aspect of life in the United States and extends to all communities of different color. Perhaps the most notable form of racism in America other than imperialism against the Native American begins with the institution of slavery. The institution of slavery stigmatized the status of African Americans, and racism against African American continues to remain as a pervasive ideology in modern America. However, victims of racial prejudice are not confined to any period in history, place, or skin color.
The fight against racism in the United States may be summarized as followed:
- In 1945 the internment camps were closed and in 1948 reparations were made to many of the survivors.
- In 1964 the Civil Rights Act ended segregation in public accommodations.
- 2008 the United States of America elected its first black