by Author Name Withheld 126

Created on: November 20, 2009

If poverty is viewed in terms of African-American, the obvious overshadowing of racism cannot be hidden or denied. Otherwise, and this should be straight forward, why would any one race be separately analyzed? Clearly, the only purpose of such a study is to conclude that a given race is indeed separate from the whole of American society. In that case, racism exists at all levels of such a discussion.

That is the first hurdle to aiding any minority in poverty. If such individuals are already viewed as outcasts to majority American society, any statistics or analysis will be made solely on the premise of racism. As long as such divisions occur in the American mindset, there can be no serious attempt to make life better for all Americans. Further, there will be no end to racism and unification of one America filled with people who are not judged or divided by their ethnicity or beliefs.

Consider what types of arguments arise for either side of such a topic. In the case of opposition, personal attacks are often made against the selected race. Why does this occur if racism is not part of the problem? Focus turns to why such a group does not deserve help or how they have already been given too much help or sympathy. Clearly, such issues stem from a mindset that racism cannot exist if justified reasons exist to refuse further aid or attention. In reality, racism is simply given another venue to trickle into accepted popular discussion where it does not belong and should not be given an accepting audience who feel no shame in their judgments.

If it were true that the race were indeed equal in their struggle, there would be no threat in recognizing a similar shared plight; however, there is a division from the onset of discussion. Even in support, issues are raised that help alienate the group and prove why they do deserve special attention. In many of these cases, racism is directed at the majority while such voices feed on furthering the problem rather than creating unity and a solution. Once race has become the headline of the topic, the issue will be driven by racism because that is the only option available.

Aside from the fact that such a topic demonstrates and promotes racism, it is clear that racism does play a factor in poverty. How many generations removed from racial inequality are most Americans? How long has it been since segregation was ended and a push for equal standards finally blossomed? There are still people living today who were subject to that

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