Racism is not always conscious, explicit, or readily visible—often it is systemic and structural. Systemic and structural racism are forms of racism that are pervasively and deeply embedded in systems, laws, written or unwritten policies, and entrenched practices and beliefs that produce, condone, and perpetuate widespread disparate treatment and oppression of people of color. (definition from HEALTH AFFAIRSVOL. 41, NO. 2: RACISM & HEALTH)
Some examples include housing that excluded blacks from purchasing homes in certain neighborhoods. These housing restrictions were imposed by the federal government in the new housing built after the second World War. Called ‘redlining’ it was justified as necessary to assure that banks would be paid. The consequence is that home ownership and the accumulation of wealth through real estate appreciation was denied to people of color, putting them at a severe economic disadvantage over generations. Another example of systemic racism is in public education. States that fund schools with property taxes ensure that wealthier, white communities get more funding than poor communities. Thus, white kids get a better education than poor kids and kids of color. Another example is mass incarceration of blacks, a result of stricter policing in communities of color and unequal application of law.
Have you noticed that our banner is back? “STOP systemic racism” It is not on the building or in the parking lot because the Burton church will no longer allow it. So it is in the back of Lewis hall.
