Racism- An Aid to American Society

Racism – An Aid to American Society?

“Racism is actions, practices or beliefs, or social or political systems that consider different races to be ranked as inherently superior or inferior to each other, based on presumed shared inheritable traits, abilities, or qualities.” (Newman, 2012) Racism has promulgated after the slavery in America, and these practices are still evident in our generations today. Oftentimes, when the word “racism” is heard by many, negative characteristics on these actions will be dominant. Many perceive racism as disrespect to one’s rich culture and heritage, thus causing a lot of hatred. Despite my strong objection on the act of racism, I believe that racism played a major role in the development and rise to power of the Americans.

I focused on the economics, socio-political and arts and culture of the US during the era where racism is widely recognized and deduce the positive effects of it that caused the growth in America. From here, I can draw out a beneficial (though not necessarily moral) character of racism that can help a nation such as America grow into power. Examining this view can impart to the people a better understanding of how the cosmopolitan US, which has influenced virtually every corner of the world, came to be. Aside from this truth value, and more importantly, it gives an idea of what the United States could have been if racism did not come into view in the past or what the nation would be if racism is finally totally eradicated.

Racism began when slaves from Africa were brought to the western hemisphere for labor. It pushed and stabilized capitalism during the rise of the industrial revolution in America. Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin gave slavery a big purpose (Dod...

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