Achieving Systemic Equality: Addressing America’s Legacy Of Systemic Racism

Systemic racism is embedded deep within the soft fabric of our society, and for years we are collectively witnessing violence, brutality, and inequality on a mass level. Although we have acknowledged the work and efforts made by several organizations and individuals to make America a better and safer place for the black community, we still have a long way to go.

Racism is not something that can be eradicated within days or months - especially systemic racism, which is woven into our society and deeply ingrained into our policies; thus, changing or completely transforming it seems almost impossible, and it leads to frustration and drowning in darkness and a state of hopelessness. It is vital for us to put emphasis on the black community and how outpouring our emotions, voices, and opinions will help them to come out of systemic racism.

Over the last six or seven years, we all have grown accustomed to the blatant kind of violence against the black community and have given rise to segregationist-style of racism in institutions. What gave more rise to systemic racism was the former President, Mr. Donald Trump, who was often seen passing derogatory and racist remarks and tweeting racist comments against blacks, Asians, and Hispanic people. One time - Trump tweeted about the four Democratic Congresswomen who were people of color to return “back” to the “corrupt” places or countries they have come from. His open racist remarks, along with systemic racism policies, greatly increased overall discrimination in the USA.

History has shown us time and again that merely removing policies from the book is not enough to eradicate systemic racism, but if we are willing to achieve true justice - we need to begin with restructuring our society by bringing new policies which have strength and efficacy to work and bring change. Systemic racism requires solutions within the roots to bring systemic equality to the country. Learning about systemic racism is a long, almost never-ending process. Be it black or white, the unhealthy toxic racist stereotypes and narratives have been drilled into our minds and shoved down our throats. Moreover, the depictions in the mainstream media have also left a traumatic effect on people of the black community while tainting the views and thoughts of the rest of the people.

Ending systemic racism is a long procedural, and daunting task, but here are 4 easy ways to begin with.

Check That You’re Engaging Constructively

We all have relationships with one another, and we engage in those on a daily basis. This is the time when you come forward and have an open, constructive discussion about systemic racism. There are still many myths and false narratives that discussions can only change. It is vital to remember that engaging does not mean shoving your own opinion down someone’s throat, but listening to others and providing your input is important.

This is indeed true. Many of us are still quiet and silently watching the atrocities against the impoverished black community, which is not right. From economy to healthcare, the disparities are growing quite rapidly, leaving the black community deprived of their rights, unfulfillment of their needs, and trauma. Many Americans and people from other countries are hitting the streets and raising voices against the mistreatment of the impoverished black community. While some protest against systematic oppression and racism, others march to bring out the impoverished black community from the darkness.

Fair Housing

Whenever we talk about systemic racism, we talk about how racism is plaguing our actions and policies. From health to housing - it affects everything. Across the entire USA, there are millions of black communities that are living in concentrated poverty. It is no surprise that policies like redlining are still practiced in some areas, and black people are forced to live in neighborhoods that are affected by environmental damages and doused in crime.

It is time for the new Biden government to reinstate the 2015 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, which investigated the barriers and patterns that promote bias-ness and stop black families from obtaining a house in a decent neighborhood. Moreover, this rule will also counter the segregation that is still happening.

Refundable Child Tax Credits

One of the biggest problems that the USA is child poverty. More than 17% of children in America are impoverished, and the rate of black children drowning in poverty is higher than their white counterparts. Currently, one in five black children does not receive any credit; do you know why? It is because more than 50% of Black children are drowned in poverty.

Therefore, the government should increase the child tax credit and make it refundable. Doing so will decrease child poverty by 40% and can successfully bring more than 50% of black children out of poverty.

Student Debt

systemic racism has also created hurdles in acquiring proper education. Do you know that black students pay more debt while whites pay less for the same degree? According to an estimation, black students have $7,400 more in debt than their white peers, and over time this gap will keep on increasing because the economic disparity is on the rise two. According to a survey, more than 12% of black people who have borrowed money will be in default. Therefore, the government should forgive at least 40,000 to $50,000 in debt, and by doing it - the black communities will have an economic boost and can also release their burden, which will provide hope to other black students to come forward and get the education they need and deserve.