Comparing Life Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Inequality (Essay Sample)

Comparing Life Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Inequality
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Comparing Life Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Introduction
The society is highly fragmented in various ways, making life unbearable for the disadvantaged groups. These classifications occur as a result of human differences caused by nature, personality or human activities. While some differences like economic and social can be changed others like race, sex and ethnic orientations are natural, and human beings have no control over them (Healey 2011). However, racial and ethnic inequalities are the greatest evils in the society due to their effects on the people affected. This essay compares life experiences of racial and ethnic inequality in the old and young people.
According to an old African man there has been racial discriminations going on since he was young and able to understand the happenings around him. According to this old man, all white people have a higher ability to think and solve problems compared to the coloured people. He confirms this belief through using various explanations regarding modern technology that has transformed the world. He argues that, were it, not for the white man people would still be living in shanties, and there would be no tarmac roads or airplanes. Most of his age mates never knew how to read and write and if it were not for the white man they would still be illiterate. However, this old man believes that white men are selfish and egocentric. He gives illustrations on how they colonized Africa and Asia, while looking for land and raw materials for their industries. He added that they are extremely cunning and will use any means to get what they need at the expense of ignorant Africans and Asians. He condemns how white men live a carefree life that does not respect the dictates of morality and religion. He adds that women must be submissive to their husbands and not equals. He condemns how white women dress and term it as exposing their bodies in manners likely to suggest moral decadence. He argues that white men and women have no respect for their in-laws, traditions and religion since they have little regard for sexual morality.
On the other hand, the second explanation from a young lady gives a different picture of the same people discussed by the old man. She explains how white people are considerate and understanding compared to African men. She admires the way white men treat their wives as queens and complains that African men expect too much from their women. She believes that men from her community have failed to embrace change and view their women as equals. They mistreat their women just the way their grandfathers did to their grandmothers. She believes that change is a crucial element that propels societies to develop their structures. However, she notes that change should begin by shaping perceptions regarding people from other racial and ethnic communities in order to sustain peace in societies. Given a chance she will marry a person from other ethnic community, even though her parents have never agreed with her on this issue. She believes that white people develop their nations since they take their work seriously and devote their time, energy, skills and resources to accomplish their dreams. On the other hand, African and Asian men prefer using shortcuts and are extremely lazy. She admires the whites’ courage and determinations even at times when there is little hope of success.
Early racial socialization determines peoples’ abilities to think beyond ethnic boundaries. This aspect enables the young generation to develop perceptions regarding o...