Racial Inequality, Essay Example

Racial inequality is an important topic to be addressed through legal and economic means in the current era of increased cultural diversity. In some communities, people from the minority populations or communities are neglected in the distribution of opportunities, economic resources, and power. Regarding the above, the majority population within the community tends to enjoy all the resources and opportunities, which further widens the gap between the wealthy and the unprivileged. Scott et al. state that racial inequality ranges from disparities in bankruptcy, unemployment rates, educational opportunities, wealth, housing patterns, poverty rates, and incarceration rates (713).

The above definition clearly describes a situation I encountered during my childhood. In my middle school, the school administration divided us into two groups based on our parents’ ability to pay increased school fees. The above practice denied me a chance to access excellent education. This is a form of racial disparity. People need to understand that racial inequality is not solely based on color but other factors such as unemployment rates, educational opportunities, wealth, and poverty rates. In nations like the United States, racial inequality is systemic. The above statement means that racial disparities are embedded in the nation’s laws and regulations.

The main reason why I chose racial inequality is to advocate for the elimination of existing institutional racism that promotes disparities in society through legal means. President Trump once tweeted that Democratic Congresswomen who were Latino, Black, and South Asian should head back to the corrupt nations they came from (Moore and Brooks 1). The above illustrates how the system has given rise to racial discrimination even in the public domain. Additionally, during the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the United States’ biased governmental actions impacted millions of people, more so the Blacks. The above further supports my agenda for using the law to fight systemic racism.

In societies with system racism that promote racial disparities, the criminal justice system should promote systemic equality. Systemic equality is possible by forming and enforcing policies and laws that fight any form of racism, from education to employment. For example, since corruption entertained in the voting exercise results in the election of racist leaders, different administrations should enforce a judicial lead on voting rights violations to streamline the process. Additionally, the criminal justice system should embed anti-racism into its values, actions, and training. The above will lead to the reduction of disparities in most settings. Weak policies that promote racism should be abolished and replaced with directives that promote ethical practices in all government offices.

Disparities in education should also be eliminated by forming strict policies administered by the justice department. Moore and Brooks state that in the United States, Black students who borrow education loans pay approximately $7,400 more in debt than their white peers for similar degrees (1). Additionally, Moore and Brooks add that postal banking services have a 50% chance more likely to close in Black communities than in white neighborhoods (1). The above can be eliminated or controlled if the criminal justice system is self-regulating and fully executes its role in encouraging equality and impartiality in societies. Since the civil rights era, much has not changed in combating institutional racism, irrespective of multiple procedures that fight racism in all forms.

Through the participation of the criminal justice system, societies, where every individual can realize their maximum potential without being hampered by institutional and structural racism will be achieved.

Works Cited

Moore, ReNika, and Rakim Brooks. “To End Systemic Racism, Ensure Systemic Equality.” American Civil Liberties Union, 2021, https://www.aclu.org/news/racial-justice/ending-systemic-racism-requires-ensuring-systemic-equality/

Scott, Kendra, et al. “A social scientific approach toward understanding racial disparities in police shooting: Data from the Department of Justice (1980–2000).” Journal of Social Issues 73.4 (2017): 701-722.