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Institutional racism pervades every aspect of American society from "summary" of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
In America, the power of white people is derived from the belief in the reality of their white skin. This belief has deep roots that go back centuries, shaping the very foundations of the country. The idea of race was created to justify the brutal treatment of black people and their enslavement. This belief in the inferiority of black people continues to manifest itself in the institutions that govern American society. The criminal justice system is one such institution where the legacy of racism is evident. Black people are disproportionately targeted, arrested, and incarcerated compared to their white counterparts. The police, who are supposed to protect and serve, often see black people as threats to be controlled or eliminated. This leads to a cycle of violence and oppression that perpetuates the systemic racism embedded in the justice system. Education is another arena where institutional racism rears its head. Black students are often marginalized and pushed towards lower academic tracks, reinforcing the belief in their inferiority. The curriculum itself is Eurocentric, erasing the contributions and histories of black people. This lack of representation perpetuates the idea that black lives and experiences are not valuable or important. Housing is yet another area where the effects of institutional racism are felt. Redlining and discriminatory lending practices have created segregated communities where black people are concentrated in areas of poverty and neglect. This lack of access to resources and opportunities further entrenches the cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement that black people face. In every aspect of American society, from healthcare to employment to politics, the legacy of racism persists. It is a pervasive force that shapes the lives of black people in profound ways. Until we confront and dismantle these systems of oppression, the promise of equality and justice will remain out of reach for black Americans.
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