Paper Example on Colorblind Racism in America

Racism is generally a belief that different racial groups have different abilities and that some racial groups are superior to others. Despite the changes in the society, racism is not completely eliminated among us. White privilege racism is described as the type of racism in which a persons skin color does not really matter, even when it does. Colorblind racism is the most frequently practiced form of racism especially among white Americans. Colorblind racism believes that racism is no longer a problem and that every individual has equal opportunity, regardless of his race (Ullucci, 2006). Those who believe in colorblind racism strongly claim that they do not see the color skin of people and believe that everyone is equal. Colorblind racism prevents us from not only seeing how much racial inequality there is in the society, but also the reasons of racial inequality in our history.

If this sample essay on"Paper Example on Colorblind Racism in America" doesn’t help,
our writers will!

Trust an expert

Generally, colorblind racism became noticeable in the 1960s when segregation was legal and racism was considered an explanation of inferiority. The ideology of colorblind racism is a result of the society we live in changing and coming up with more complex arguments about race. Instead of relying more on simple biological arguments on racism, stress is put in the culture of minority groups. It explains the unfair access to things like school and jobs (Bell, 2004).

According to Eduardo Bonilla-Silva (2007), colorblind racism is widely practiced and is based on four major frames. These frames of colorblind racism explain how it really works and the effect it has in the social relationships. Abstract liberalism is the first frame, which sees inequality in race as a product people not working as hard as they should. Ideally, the political philosophies of liberalism emphasize the aspects of freedom, fairness and individual choice. Eduardo Bonilla-Silva (2007), argues out that if all people work hard enough, we can all achieve anything we set out to complete. Neutralization is also a frame within colorblind racism. Neutralization explains racial inequality a process that occurs in nature. Given that most cities are segregated, it simply means that people like to live near to people whom they share the same characteristics. Another important frame in this argument is one of cultural racism. Essentially, it explains inequalities in race as happening because some groups culture is undesirable or defiant and passes these bad values to their children. Lastly, minimization suggests that racism no longer matters anymore. Racism is considered a minimal aspect in the modern society.

However, most sociologists seem critical towards colorblind racism. They argue out that the language used in regards to racism has given way to a revelation of colorblindness. Moreover, most people in the academic field claim out that colorblind racism causes problems mainly because it offers a way to avoid addressing real social problems. They also assert that by rejecting colorblindness and encouraging the white and consider them as a distinct social group will only result in nativism. Every person wants to be treated and recognized for their different personal characteristics. Colorblind racism, however, does not support this and encourages people to ignore any processes that promote racism whether in schools, neighborhoods, health care centers and other social institutions.

References

Ullucci, K. (2006) Racism without Racists. Colorblind Racism and the increasing Racial Inequality in the United States. Urban Education, 41(5), 533-540.

Bell, D. A. (2004). Race, racism, and American law.

Bonilla-Silva, E. (2007). Color-blind racism. Class and Gender in the U.S: An Integrated Study.

Bonilla-Silva, E., & Dietrich, D. (2011). The sweet charm of color-blind racism in America.