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Racism is a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races that determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that ones own race is superior and has the right to rule others. (Dictionary.com) In my opinion, ever since America was founded racism has been a problem. I feel that Americans treat other cultures as inferior; first with the Native Americans and the fight over their land, then with bringing Africans to the United States and forcing them into slavery, and against the American-Japanese by forcing them to live in concentration camps in America during World War II. Although racism is not as prominent or talked about as it used to be it still occurs everyday, not only in the United States, but all over the world.
Racism exists for many different reasons. One reason is because people who live in dominantly white areas or dominantly black areas are not exposed to each others cultures everyday. These people who do not experience racism first hand believe that is does not exist in our society. People that are ignorant to other cultures are typically the ones to tell racial jokes or make racial slurs without realizing what they are saying or who they might be hurting. Another reason could be the way a person was brought up. If their parents or families are prejudiced against a group of people chances are when their kids are growing up, they will influence the way they act or behave against that certain culture. One of the biggest reasons for racism could be simple stereotypes. Stereotypes are all over the television and radio. To a person who has never seen or held a conversation with a person from a different ethnic background, their perception of what a person from that culture may be like, could be what they have seen or heard on television or the radio.
Even in the workplace events occur everyday proving that racism is still a large part of our society. I know that in my workplace I have heard numerous racial jokes or slurs being made by my coworkers. This is racism whether the people making these comments realize it or not. The problem is that these jokes are inappropriate and supposed to not be tolerated in the workplace according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the sexual harassment policy because it falls into the category of hostile work environment. Even though this policy is in place the jokes and comments are still being made and the policy is not enforced unless complaints are filed.
Racism is not only a problem in the United States but all over the world and has been for most of our history. In my opinion, Adolf Hitler may have been one of the most famous people ever to prove this statement. He wanted to basically wipe out any person that was not Arian. Arian people are Caucasian with blonde hair and blue eyes. Hitler hated Jewish people in particular and killed them in concentration camps trying