Racism in America

The problem of racism in America is one that has persisted from before the time of slavery. Despite efforts to improve the racial situation, racism persists and continues to be a problem for those who are its target. This persistence is due to its complex nature and to its ability to morph from the blatant form (as in Jim Crow racism) to the subtle form that exists today. America is by no means a perfect country as its history includes violent conflicts at home and abroad. This book, however, does not seek to condemn America for all the negative things it has done. Instead, the focus of this book is on the problem of racism - a problem that has existed from the very beginning of the nation when the founding fathers established the new Republic. Racism is a shadow that continues to darken the accomplishments and greatness of America. It is one problem that America has not been able to solve or eliminate and so racism is like a yoke around the neck of America. While the conflicts that America has engaged in do not seem to haunt Americans, racism remains the one social problem that haunts them. Unlike other bad things that are remote to Americans, racism remains at their doorstep. It is somewhat hard to detect that racism haunts Americans as they tend camouflage it. Most Americans live their life in a manner that makes it appear that America has no racial problem. This is why racism represents a classic case of denial for white Americans. This denial is often exposed by the media when violent incidents that appear to be race-related occur. Racism is perhaps one of the most complex social problems that Americans struggle with. While it manifests itself in the disparities, social injustices, and the discrimination that nonwhite people experiences, it remains a controversial and emotional issue. The patterns of accusation and denial keep racism in a state of persistence. This perpetual pattern is also facilitated by the failure to acknowledge responsibility f