The concept of inequality has plagued our country since the beginning of time. A nation, created and economically sustained by the division of race, seems to still, even after all these years, be unable to completely grasp the idea of equality and genuine liberty and justice for all. In a land full of immigrants, except for the Indigenous Americans, somehow an unstable structure was established that favored one race over another, simply by the intensity of one’s pigmentation. Imagine after enduring times in history such as slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights movement still not being viewed as equal to others in a land that is referred to as “The Melting Pot.” This is the reality of people who make up the minority population, but specifically the African American community. Equality is the state of being equal in status, rights, and opportunities, a virtually unmeasurable issue that can be very opinionated and emotionally charged, but nonetheless an important topic because it directly affects the nation as a whole. In the US, people of the African American community are viewed as economically inferior, have greater health risks because of environment, and ultimately are not offered the same opportunities as others simply because of the stereotypes associated with their skin color. 

The amount of money an individual has is directly associated with their social class and how they are viewed. African Americans today are socially and economically isolated and they both go hand in hand. One- third to one- half of African American males, age 16 or older in the largest 15 US cities were unemployed in the year 2000. Many of which were discouraged after failed attempts at finding a secure position in the workforce being as though they are three-fourths as lucky as whites to find a job. There is a direct relationship between race, income, and the ability to move up socially. People who are born in families that are well paid will most likely be well paid and vice versa for people of low income. This is the reality that many people of color face because of intentional and unintentional systemic racism. Systemic racism can be found at every level of society and often overlooked because it is not as in your face, but the damage is still the same if not worse. Systemic racism has created a wealth gap between races. “In 2010 African Americans accounted for 13% of the population, but only had 2.7% of the country’s wealth.” This is a major problem being as though money makes the world go around. Lack of funds opens doors to be deemed by society as socially inferior. And with that status, although seeming like just a hurtful public opinion, it actually is deeper than how it makes an individual feel. Every African American family is not poor and struggling, but this is where stereotypes come into play. After having this image of the average African American passed around it essentially closes doors for them. People like to be surrounded by people that are like them in a sense and one of those things that a person might feel the need to have in common is social class, but if a person’s mind is already made up about an individual because of stereotypes associated with their skin color then that opportunity to network won’t even happen. 

In our society, your wealth plays a big role in your health. The ones with more money can afford to be taken better care of which presents this false idea that good health is a luxury and not a necessity. Social inequality brings about issues such as illnesses and drug abuse which is prevalent in low income communities also young pregnancy rates are higher in lower social classes than high. Having a lower income has been directly related to health because it affects the type of food you’re able to buy, the medicine you can afford, and the amount of times you are able to see a doctor in the event that you do get sick. There is evidence that “racial and ethnic minorities tend to receive lower quality of care than non minorities and that, patients of minority ethnicity experience greater morbidity and mortality from various chronic diseases than non minorities.” This is a pattern that can be seen over time and accounts for the African American community not feeling as if health is as major of an issue as it is. Health problems also come from outside factors still stemming from race and income. It has been proven that companies will rid of waste and toxins in or near low income communities which has a direct affect on the people that inhabit that area which are more than likely to be minorities of some kind. This makes it hard for a community to care about their health when the people around them who are not in their situation turn a cheek to the problem as if it is not there.

Whether opportunities are given or taken, it is safe to say that either way you have to be in a position to know about it. Most opportunities come from the ability to network and knowing the right people. African Americans are not as fortunate as other non minorities when it comes to exposure and experiences. This lack of equality can be traced back to early education because that is the start of most great things. A school district that is poor and can’t offer the same material or motivated teachers as a more well off school district is less likely to produce productive kids at the same rate. That is not to say that good students can’t come from those poorer districts, but it’s not an even playing field. While some might disagree, it is evident or there would not be things such as affirmative action to protect the disadvantaged from discrimination to a certain degree. It is a “social policy” put into effect to promote racial integration, but the fact that it still is around further proves that opportunities are being stripped from minorities and that African Americans are being overlooked because the something they cannot change about themselves, or wouldn’t want to. 

In conclusion the effects of racism are still present in society. It affects the way African Americans are treated and essentially their livelihood. These problems not only lead to mental deterioration of self esteem in a person, but also physically takes a toll on one’s health. The effects of racism, intentional or not, cannot continue to go overlooked because diversity is what makes our nation great and it is one of them main things that is able to put us ahead as a whole. 
