Racism is an institutionalized system of discrimination and oppression that is perpetuated by those in positions of power. The roots of racism can be traced back to the days of colonialism and slavery, when people of color were viewed as inferior to white Europeans. Racism is often perpetuated through the media, which often portrays people of color in a negative light. Racism can have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of those who experience it, leading to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and depression. Racism can also lead to violence, as those who feel marginalized and oppressed may lash out in anger and frustration. Racism is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed through education (including learning about its history), dialogue (talking about what you’ve learned with others), and action (taking steps toward making real change).
Racism is a complex issue that requires time-consuming work on many fronts—there is no one easy solution that will fix it overnight!
