As racial groups started to become socially constructed, biases began to be conceptualized. Perceptions like these are dangerous, as they begin to manifest in discriminatory actions such as implicit and explicit biases. Beginning with the late 1800s, Black and Brown individuals became targets for lynchings and Jim Crow laws. As centuries passed, the way that racism is presented has adapted. Lynchings are no longer seen as acceptable or as widespread. Because of this, discrimination has changed in more subtle ways. With the application of stereotypes, the treatment of people of color is significantly worse, as seen through more modern displays of racism.

Racial prejudice is defined as the negative perception of certain ethnic and racial groups. These feelings begin to construct and associate people of color with being more prone to criminal activity. As a result, punishments for people of color become harsher within the criminal justice system. A possible theory for racial prejudice comes from the scapegoat theory, which states that individuals who experience problems place their frustrations on other groups of people. As a result of these frustrations, some individuals form ways to discriminate against racial and ethnic groups. Group threat theory states that prejudice may come from feelings of competition over diminishing resources. With these competitive feelings, groups begin to become hostile toward other groups. Lastly, social learning theory looks at prejudicial feelings as the byproduct of groups conforming to their culture and social groups. Social learning theory says that these feelings may have been passed down from one’s parents, friends, or even the news that they consume. In the end, discrimination, prejudice, and microaggressions are some of the consequences of racism.

Not acknowledging race as a major factor in discrimination does little to reduce the negative lived experiences of racial minority groups. For example, some argue for the existence of reverse racism. Perceived reverse racism is the perception that white individuals can be discriminated against in the same way that people of color are. However, perceived reverse racism often adopts a colorblind approach, which ignores the suffering caused by racist ideologies. Black and Brown individuals are often victims of microaggressions, racial stereotypes, and discrimination in ways that white individuals are not. Ahmaud Arbery and Philando Castile are all cases in which racial prejudice was the main factor in ending someone’s life.

Licenses and Attributions for Conclusion

“Conclusion” by Shanell Sanchez, revised by Jessica René Peterson, is licensed under CC BY 4.0.