The perilous effects of racism on blacks

Abstract

This paper focuses on understanding the perilous effects of interpersonal and institutional racism on the psychological and physiological well-being of Blacks. Interpersonal racism refers to prejudice and discriminatory behaviors directed toward individuals because of their race or ethnicity, and institutional racism refers to formal and informal policies and practices that deny equitable treatment to individuals because of their race or ethnic group affiliation. Racism can psychologically affect Blacks by allowing society to deny their value as individuals, and by compelling them to internalize the racist conceptions of them held by their oppressors. Racist stressors may also lead to increased physiological reactivity which, when sustained for a period of time, can lead to cardiovascular disorders and diseases. To eliminate the effects of racism, it is imperative that further research seek better ways to shield Blacks from these menacing stressors.