Introduction
In American society, racism is hardly a brand-new phenomenon. However, the minority and immigrant populations have been the most affected. It is currently difficult for the affected group to exercise their rights and freedoms due to the incidence of racial discrimination charges. Neo-racism is a new form of racism that involves prejudices about cultures in a globalizing society and goes beyond racial discrimination based on skin color. Neo-racism differs from traditional racism and generalized xenophobia in that it is founded on White supremacy and uses a national hierarchy to explain the discrimination against and screening of immigrants. The paper will explore how the coexistence of people from different cultural backgrounds has influenced the multicultural aspect of the modern world, leading to the rise in neo-racism in society.
Broad Overview of Neo-Racism
Neo-racism is often used in sociology, philosophy, and psychology. It is a type of racism that aims to foster cultural and ethnic differences rather than promote racial or ethnic divisions. In contrast to biological racism, which refers to inequities brought on by racial differences, neo-racism encompasses hostility and prejudices resulting from cultural differences across ethnic groups (Hadžić 161). The term cultural racism refers to the concept of cultural differences between ethnic groups, such as language, cuisine, skin color, and clothing. It differs from Islam phobia, which entails animosity between communities because of their disparate religious beliefs (Froio 705).
For instance, depending on a person’s skin tone, it is simpler to determine their racial background. In the United States, for example, it is easier to distinguish the nationality of blacks, whites, and Arabs because of the disparities in their skin tones.
Additionally, separating people based on their language is more straightforward. Due to the differences in their speeches, for instance, it is simpler to discern the cultural background of Arabs compared to that of Africans. A person’s culture is defined by the food and clothing they consume. People are now discriminated against in a multicultural society based on how they dress and eat. For example, it is simpler to understand Chinese culture in a multicultural community since they have distinctive eating patterns.
Chinese people face discrimination and hatred from dominant groups when they go to new places where they are the minority because of their unique skin tone, fashion sense, and eating habits. In the discussion above, Neo-racism is any prejudice, hatred, and discrimination directed towards another ethnic group—usually, one considered superior to other, less developed civilizations (Blum 151). It comprises any type of social injustice that one person commits against another based on the latter’s cultural identification.
In contrast to biological racism, which is based on racial distinctions, new racism is based on cultural disparities. Because it encompasses elements like language and attire, new racism is more pervasive in modern communities (Gudrun Jensen et al. 55).
Furthermore, because white people have diverse sub-sets, new racism is pervasive even among white people, proving that it is not only biological racism. Brazilians and Canadians, for instance, are both white, but they differ in how they talk and dress. Thus, a Brazilian resident of Canada can also encounter incidents of bias. Under that, European immigrants to the United States are vulnerable to racism since, although having a white complexion, they speak a different language from the locals. In addition, they currently experience hostility and segregation from the native population due to their status as a minority in the country.
Neo-racism also goes beyond biological racism since it causes antagonism and prejudice towards African Americans residing in the United States. The two tribes speak distinct languages and have different clothing codes and skin tones. As a result, the nation’s black and white people mistreat Africans sexually, verbally, and physically. New racism victims sometimes endure terrible pain because they consider interacting with people from advanced civilizations difficult. People from Africa, the Philippines, and the United States who reside and work in the Middle East frequently see societal injustice, which has a detrimental effect on their mental health (Froio 701). New racism is controversial today since it affects all minor cultures diluted in significant civilizations.
Does Neo-Racism Exist
Today, there is a debate about whether neo-racism still exists. The topic has grown chiefly divisive since writers contend that new racism does not exist in the present enlightenment era because people now better understand the value of respecting other people’s traditions (Hadžić 160). However, according to studies, new racism exists, although people worldwide have gained knowledge about the significance of fostering integration and togetherness in society.
The Evidence Behind the Existence of Neo-Racism
First, the increased theological disparities between various world cultures are to blame for neo-racism today. Religious communities each retain unique ideals and beliefs, which is why there are still disparities between them. For instance, players from comparable nations frequently face prejudice in the athletic arena. Muslim players are isolated from Christian players since they belong to lower religious groupings.
Additionally, African American players on a team with white players experience fan and player hostility (Lee 2). Despite having distinctive skin tones, the players separate people from lower-class societies. Additionally, people from less developed cultures are more likely to face prejudice and discrimination among African players. Due to the humiliations and disappointments that lesser groups endure at the hands of the more powerful groups, such incidents harm the global growth of sports.
Modern societies have distinctive traditions, beliefs, and values, contributing to new racism. These cultures divide people from other ethnic groups because they have unique customs and histories. African-Americans, in particular, think that during slavery, Europeans and white people severely discriminated against their forebears (Blum 119). Members of this cultural group start to see Europeans and Native Americans negatively due to this outlook. As a result, they disregard these cultures in their societies. For example, black people harass white women sexually. They also torment them physically, which causes pain.
Additionally, the existence of new racism in modern society is shown through political pressure. Political expectations have changed significantly today (Prusaczyk and Choma 180). People’s perception of politics as a means of achieving wealth and success exacerbates the political climate on a worldwide scale. Developed nations experience a more intense political environment due to political parties’ cultural divisions.
Members of society frequently favor politicians of their ethnicity because of cultural differences. For instance, the political campaign between President Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton in the 2017 U.S. elections caused uncertainty and instability since both candidates had followers across the nation (Hadžić 171). Although the two candidates were white, a political dispute developed between the Republicans and the Democrats. As a result, after Donald Trump came to power, the Republicans discriminated against the Democrats, which raised the nation’s political fervor (Wilson 8). Overall, as seen in the stories above, racism persists because ethnic groups worldwide have diverse cultures, histories, customs, and values.
Arguments against Neo-Racism as a concept
The adoption of the concept of neo-racism is accompanied by a number of objections. The main point of contention in these debates is whether this framework can exist at all. The use of this idea has drawn criticism from a number of academics. The main argument in this sense is that biological racism is meant by the term racism, but neo- or cultural racism is an inappropriate concept (Lee 4). This viewpoint’s proponents contend that cultural fundamentalist theories offer the most compelling explanations for historical conflict and other injustices (Ortlepp). This is further strengthened by the fact that neo-racism does not take into account the positive aspects of minorities or provide any plausible explanations for the phenomenon.
Another point of contention is the notion of racism in general. Racism is usually defined as biological superiority, excluding cultural or sex variables. Therefore, some researchers point to the fact that neo-racism is hard to fit into the overall framework of racism (Magyar et al.). This framework could be more fully developed within the context of ethnicism or ethnocentrism, and when it includes prejudice against foreigners, it can be described as xenophobic in nature.
Neo-Racism Results in Marginalization of Inferior Cultures
Academics oppose neo-racism worldwide because it causes society to exclude less advanced civilizations. The primary implication of new racism is that superior groups in society discriminate against and bias inferior civilizations. For instance, the government enacts policies that favor the locals while repressing cultures from other countries. Additionally, the general public disrespects these individuals since they believe they should not live together in the same society (Magyar et al.). They have since harassed them relentlessly, compelling them to leave their civilizations. Furthermore, they abuse them physically and sexually, which causes stress—however, most of the time, underprivileged communities rebel by raising awareness of these social injustices.
Significantly, globalization has impacted the influx of different cultures into other countries. Globalization has advanced, allowing people from other cultures to communicate with those from other civilizations. These interactions have improved, especially with the usage of various social media websites, which has resulted in better connections. They eventually connect and establish long-term residency in other countries.
Due to the tendency of family members to discriminate against the spouse, the blending of people from various cultures leads to new racism. Globalization has boosted business, and the development of international trade alliances today has affected the emergence of trade alliances between nations (Prusaczyk and Choma 182). For instance, the European Union (E.U.) has increased commerce among the 28 European countries. These nations support integration in both politics and the economy. Their ongoing participation fosters political and economic progress.
However, because member nations discriminate against people from other countries, these integration strategies impact new racism. For instance, Greeks, Bulgarians, and Danish nationals working in Germany encounter severe discrimination and hatred from Germans. These individuals are of European descent, although they vary from Germans in several ways, including language and conduct. Additionally, the U.K. supports its constituent nations’ political and economic union, including Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland (Blum, Racial Discrimination, 80). The organization has passed rules and directives that encourage member nations to engage.
For instance, the Equality Act of 2010 was created to guarantee the respect and equality of all union members. Even with the presence of these rules, residents in England have a history of discriminating against and being hostile toward Scottish visitors. Despite having a distinct skin tone, English people mistreat them because they believe they are foreigners. Additionally, new racism is perpetuated by member states in the U.S. The United States has historically been a multicultural country.
The presence of diverse cultural groups, such as Latinos, Native Americans, African-Americans, Europeans, and Indians, impacts prejudice towards and hate of lesser groups. Natives, for example, are prejudiced against Latinos based on their cultural backgrounds. Similar to how white people have long harbored animosity and hatred for African Americans. For instance, they hate Black pop culture since it tends to further Black ideals and views.
Overall, it is clear from the evidence shown above that new racism leads to prejudice towards inferior populations. Governments and academics oppose these phenomena since it violates human rights. Neo-racism, in particular, limits one’s freedom. For instance, in the middle of the 1900s, white people denied voting rights to African-Americans because they thought they belonged to a lower race (Blum 118). Essentially, it prohibits participation in business and education and also restricts the right to vote.
African-Americans were marginalized due to this sort of segregation since a lack of government representation compromised their rights. In addition, less fortunate individuals in a nation no longer have access to social facilities. Instead, the administration prioritizes giving the locals access to social infrastructure while ignoring the underprivileged groups (Hadžić 181). As a result, these divided populations suffer from ill health, starvation, and poverty. Hispanics have less access to health amenities in the U.S., for example. Because of the high cost of Medicare and their limited access to health services, they cannot obtain medicine.
Additionally, these people have insufficient access to water, roads, and power. The police abuse and harass marginalized populations, inflicting suffering and worry. Police equate underprivileged people with criminal activity because they frequently protest against the severe treatment they receive from the government (Ortlepp). Neo-racism is a flawed social practice since it causes societal stigmatization of underprivileged populations.
Neo-Racism Results in Conflict in the Society
Neo-racism has grown in popularity recently due to the social instability it produces. It contributes to wars because it restricts the liberties and rights of underprivileged populations. Neo-racism typically develops due to the government’s failure to defend the rights of disadvantaged groups. It suppresses their representation in the government to ensure that their rights are violated. Even when the minor group reports sexual assault committed by the bigger group, justice is not served in such a nation (Froio 704). For example, most sexual allegations against inferior groups in the United States go unanswered. Because these people come from less developed civilizations, the police are always hesitant to look into the situation and provide justice to the victims.
First, because members of select groups believe they have a right to victimize inferior groups, new racism impacts the frequency of crimes. They believe this because the government actively promotes hatred toward immigrants. For instance, Arabs in the Middle East mistreat Filipino and African domestic workers because of cultural differences. Even if these people come from other cultures and practice Islam, their bosses mistreat them verbally, physically, and sexually. In difficult situations, the loyal families’ family members harm or even kill these employees (Ortlepp). As a result, there is a disagreement between the two groups, encouraging individuals to publish hateful messages on social media.
Additionally, conflict exists between white Americans working and living in the United States and Arab Americans due to ongoing cultural disparities. Usually, white people treat these people with hatred and prejudice, which causes instability. Arabs continue to protest the severe treatment in return, which causes disorder in the streets. The same goes for those who demonstrate outside the American embassy in their own country against the injustices American citizens face. The growth of disputes between the superior and inferior groups is influenced by neo-racism, damaging security, peace, and unity.
The Difference between Neo-Racism and Racism
Neo-racial ideology and racism are closely related. Although both names allude to discrimination based on race, there is slight variation in how they are understood. Primarily, neo-racism refers to the kinds of antagonism or prejudices that one group of people exhibits toward another owing to differences in skin tone. It also covers the racism between Africans and Whites (Magyar et al.). Due to their skin pigmentation, white visitors to African nations encounter prejudice. Similar segregation occurs with African tourists in the United States. Additionally, because most people are racist, the Chinese who travel to America or Africa encounter racism. Racism is generally discriminating against others based on their skin color.
However, contemporary racism transcends issues of skin tone. It involves discrepancies in people’s cultural traits, including behavior, clothing, cooking, and language. As a result, persons with identical skin tones might nonetheless be racist against one another. It is mainly accurate because each ethnic group has particular customs and beliefs (Blum, Moral Implication,125). Africans and Negroes, for instance, both have black complexion, although they differ significantly in terms of cultural traits. African tourists in the United States, therefore, experience fresh prejudice.
Similar discrimination against German immigrants owing to cultural differences exists in the United States. The African continent is where racism is most pervasive today. For example, the majority-Muslim nation of Morocco treats other Africans with hatred and hostility (Froio 703). They think they are socially higher than other people despite having dark skin. Because of this, they think of themselves as superior in religion, trade, and athletics. Racism and new racism are distinct from one another since the former involves distinctions resulting from variations in skin color while the latter involves cultural differences.
Nevertheless, despite these distinctions, the effects of racism and new racism remain the same. Both problems mainly cause societal resentment and suspension. To defend them, the excluded group loses faith in the nation’s leadership since it supports illegal activity. The two factions eventually come into confrontation with one another. In conjunction with it, social pressures cause racist victims to have emotional illnesses. Finally, when certain groups persistently abuse and persecute lower groups, the nation’s peace and unity are undermined.
Contemporary Examples of Neo-Racism
Neo-racism has made an enormous impact on modern society. New racism is primarily a problem in the globe because of how much cultural exchange has been encouraged in contemporary society. For instance, most students travel to rich countries to enhance their education. Due to cultural differences, international students are more vulnerable to new racism. For example, white British students in the U.S. encounter racism, stigmatization, and hatred from Americans (Blum, Racialised Groups, 150). Despite having white skin, they are nonetheless subject to prejudice due to the differences in their language, conduct, and values.
Additionally, discrimination towards Turkish people has a long history. The likelihood of Turkey joining the E.U. is exceptionally improbable, according to German European Commissioner Guenther Oettinger in 2016. He ignored Turkey since it is an ethnically diverse nation, which showed elements of cultural bigotry. Accordingly, athletes from minority cultures receive lower priority in athletics. And last, prominent leadership roles are held by members of Western culture in the United States. They see other cultures as inferior, which limits their ability to influence government policy.
Conclusion
Since it affects individuals of all races, neo-racism is a contentious subject today. When one ethnic group in a nation discriminates against another group across cultural boundaries, this problem occurs. They treat them with hatred and disdain because they believe they should not coexist in the same society. When the inferior group tries to protest against equitable treatment, there will eventually be discontent and violence in the community. As an illustration, marginalized international students in the United States rebel against their unjust treatment. The multicultural nature of the modern world is an essential factor in the prevalence of new racism.
In trade, athletics, and education, many cultures coexist and interact. However, there is a disagreement between these groups due to cultural differences, which increases social discontent and violence. Since neo-racism is morally wrong, academics have opposed it from being perpetuated. They oppose it in the first place because it disrupts society. After all, those who are victims expose their mistrust of the government. They continue the illicit activity that creates insecurity. Those who experience new racism are more likely to develop mental illnesses. The main distinction between traditional racism and new racism is a minor one. The latter incorporates cultural variety, whereas the former involves discrimination along racial lines that a distinguished group does. Although the two problems are distinct, they jeopardize people’s rights, security, and peace.
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