Response Paper for Levels of Racism Article
Introduction
There is a clear indication of the challenges which underlie American society and more needs to be done to address them. Generally, people from different cultural backgrounds in the country need to feel that they are acknowledged enough. The approach enables them to focus more on the specific practices which are of value both to them and to others who are part of the country. Where particular groups feel alienated from the rest of American society, they become less productive and effective. Among the issues is racism. There are different levels of racism which are experienced within the society. In this paper, I will argue that Jones’ concept of levels of racism is a representation of the reality of the case of racism in America.
Body
The idea of the three levels of racism by Jones is spot on. For instance, institutionalized racism is seen around society, and presents a tough challenge for people from some groups to achieve upward mobility. Where the society is skewed in a way that blacks fail to gain access to high-quality education as compared to their white counterparts, the phenomenon leads to challenges in future (Jones, 2000). Also, personally-mediated racism is seen to have taken root in the society where people hold some level of prejudice against some racial groups. They end up developing some stereotypes and profiling them in a way that is not entirely accurate.
Thus, the phenomenon creates a clear indication that people from some racial groups are treated in a way that is not appropriate for them. The practice only serves to advance the idea that they are not held in high regard as they deserve. Much consideration needs to be placed on their situation (Jones, 2000). It is through the process that they are bound to attain the outcomes which are desirable for them. The society needs to be more open about the concept of institutionalized racism. It is through the process that people are more likely to identify the specific areas which need to be improved on.
The concept of internalized racism creates a sad feeling. The view that the marginalized race feels that they are not adequate and, therefore, deserve to be discriminated against is wrong. It is necessary for people of all races to be shown that they are valuable enough (Jones, 2000). The approach is bound to boost their self-esteem. Therefore, majority of cultures need to be at the forefront of protecting the interests of those who feel marginalized.
The government is the Gardener. It has the power to decide, act and control resources. It is deemed to be dangerous when is it allied with one group or not concerned about equity. The flower pots represent the rest of the society which bears people from different cultures. The flower seeds show the effects of the treatment which different people in the society usually receive. All people must be shown that they are held in high esteem (Jones, 2000). It is through the process that they manage to attain the best outcomes in regards to the experiences which they have in society. Many considerations need to be placed on the role which they play to the rest of society. Thus, they are bound to contribute positively towards advancing the welfare of the society.
Conclusion
The concept of levels of racism by Jones is a representation of the reality of the case of racism in America. It provides the idea that people who belong to some racial groups are not given the right form of treatment that they need. Essentially, they must be shown that they are important enough. It is through the process that they are bound to attain the right outcomes which are desirable for them in society.
Reference
Jones, C. P. (2000). Levels of racism: a theoretic framework and a gardener’s tale. American journal of public health, 90(8), 1212. doi: 10.2105/ajph.90.8.1212