Photo by Jakayla Toney
The dangers of racial profiling might not be as prevalent as they used to be, but its effect can still be felt up to this day, and some are even actively still doing it.
Dennis Joiner, the author of Let The Playing Field Level The Playing Field, has a great understanding of America’s political and socioeconomic playing field. It is reflected in the contents of his book, which readers will certainly find informative and helpful. Dennis is all about making the playing field fairer for everyone, especially for minorities.
Now, let’s go ahead and take a look at the effects of racial profiling. But before that, let’s define what racial profiling is.
What is Racial Profiling in America’s Political Landscape?
While there are plenty of definitions regarding racial profiling, mainly originating in the USA (United States of America), it primarily focuses on law enforcement. Racial profiling includes any action done for public protection, safety, or security based on racial stereotypes. These racial stereotypes include religion, ethnicity, race, ancestry, color, and from what country a person originally came from. Racial profiling is done to single out a person for different, often harmful, treatment or greater scrutiny.
Some would say it’s somewhat natural for human beings to involve themselves in stereotyping, but this doesn’t make it any less wrong. What’s even more concerning is when individuals act on the stereotypical biases and views that negatively affect others.
The Presence of Racial Profiling in the American Political Landscape
For a long time, other Western nations have acknowledged racial profiling, particularly Great Britain and the United States. The USA has, unfortunately, a long history of racial attacks and racist policing. This was rooted in slavery and the goal of enforcing the segregationist laws of “Jim Crow.”
Another example of the presence of racial profiling is in minorities who are targets for fines, traffic stops, and searches. This later on became a practice that many white police officers would typically do. It morphed into a terrible common practice and integrated with the structure and policing policy of police forces nationwide.
The dangers of racial profiling are one of the main reasons why the playing field that author Dennis Joiner is talking about is unfair. Having an understanding of America’s political and socioeconomic playing field would help us level the playing field for everybody. It would aid in minimizing the everyday risks of racial profiling until such a point that we completely get rid of it.
The Effects of Racial Profiling in the American Political Climate
Anyone who hasn’t experienced racial profiling, or maybe they don’t know someone who has, will most likely see what minorities are going through as mere conveniences. But in reality, racial profiling provides more than just an annoyance or hassle. Racial profiling has direct and real consequences. Individuals who experience racial profiling end up paying the price mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and, in other cases, even physically and financially.
The American Psychological Association remarks that research psychologists have examined racial profiling’s psychological effects. What they found is that the “victim effects” that racial profiling induces include failure to utilize resources in the community, different kinds of stress-related disorders, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Research psychologists have also studied racial profiling’s effects on broader society and have discovered that societal outcomes include fear, financial costs, and proof of feelings of racism. Neighbors, classmates, friends, and families will also feel the impact of racial profiling. What this tells us is that the economic and social cost of racial profiling is all over the place.
Racial Profiling Creates Mistrust for the Institutions Put in Place
Institutions such as law enforcement, education, the criminal justice system, customs and border control are all cornerstones of democracy. Each of these institutions needs citizens to work cooperatively and positively using their very best performance. With everyone giving 100% of their best while working for such institutions, they can fulfill their role in society.
However, racial profiling severely damages public confidence and trust in these institutions. Various reports have noted increased community or personal mistrust of institutions, including mall and store security. This sense of mistrust is pretty high among individuals who are experiencing racially profiling.
Saving Ourselves From the Dangers of Racial Profiling
Racial profiling is a bad thing, and it only causes nothing but harm to our society, as well as our economy. It’s time for us to save ourselves from its negative effects by having an understanding of America’s political and socioeconomic playing field. Dennis Joiner’s book, Let The Playing Field Level The Playing Field, can help us get the knowledge we need to help level the playing field.
Be sure to purchase a copy of Dennis’ book today, check out our other blogs, and learn how to start leveling the playing field!
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