In labeling self-segregation as a racially-charged societal occurrence, the roots that cause racial divide in our society must be disabled. Ubiquitous in society are the exclusion of the blacks in housing markets, an all-white neighborhood forming so-called “covenants” to prevent real estate agents from marketing real estate to minorities, subtle job discrimination, racism in the media, and so forth. Economic racism, defined as the deep disparity in income and living conditions between the majority race and the minority races, has emerged--as apparent in inner city ghettos or the rising poverty, unemployment and homelessness rate or minorities. Growing up with similar backgrounds and economic conditions, peers of a similar races befriend each other. As a result of racial and class segregation, segregation within schools occurs, whether self-motivated or not.

The problem also reaches the governmental level with the cuts in spending on urban housing by the Bush and Reagan administration. “Curing” racism will not be an easy task, but in order to solve the problem of self-segregation, the roots must be attacked. 

In our capitalistic society, the inherent racism that exists in employment opportunities need to be addressed. This may prove to be a difficult task since many personal biases and preferences play a role in choosing the right applicant. Since biases cannot be seen on decisions made on paper, eliminating this racism will not be easy.

I propose combating racism in the ways it can be prevented; this includes strict government scrutiny of situations in which race is a factor. As mentioned above, in a predominantly white housing market, the government should set up a bureaucratic agency to ensure there is fair play and competition in the realm of real estate.

As for the problem of economic racism, a bill for increases in government subsidies on urban housing should be proposed. Although sometimes hidden from the public’s view, many minorities live in squalor in urban areas. This bill, if passed, would provide for affordable urban housing. As in the case of the Hamptons area in New York, I recognize that the affluent classes need the minority lower class to do blue-collar work, but they vehemently oppose affordable urban housing in fear of property values being driven down. This problem stems from the issue of deep-rooted racial attitudes.

Although my proposed solutions may change the institutional structures in which racism is most commonly found, racism still persists in ideology. To clarify, just because a series of solutions eliminates racism in the way it can be prevented, in no way means that the inherent racism in society will automatically vanish because racism can be defined as preconceived attitudes about a certain race. If ignorance is the problem, the education can be the solution. Education can range from having “racial integration tutorials” to first-hand experiences meeting persons of different races. As racial cliques conglomerate and solidify, there are no incentives or motivation to break out of the social norm and to meet others. The public needs to be made cognizant of the apparent racism in our society if there is to be any change in the current structure.

As the situation currently stands, the concept of “race” has spawned prejudice, discrimination, racism, and ultimately self-segregation. While proposing that eliminating the concept of race is absurd and unrealistic, this solution would absolutely eliminate self-segregation along racial lines. However, throughout the course of history, our society’s ideology regarding race has been socialized by a number of different factors including family, the media, and education. This being said, abolishing the idea of “race” would not be a plausible solution due to the entrenched biases of society. In addition, a correct solution should preserve cultural traditions and never advocate a homogenous race of human beings.

Therefore, my proposed solutions of both combating racism in institutions where it is most prevalent and “racism tutorials,” in our current society, are feasible and do not detract from the cultural values of different races.