Cultural Racism in the United States

Louis Muriente

LMuriente@schools.nyc.gov

Renaissance School of the Arts (MS377)

 

INTRODUCTION: This year in the grade 8 HMH curriculum we have read texts that have touched on the effects of inequality. Cultural racism refers to the societal beliefs and customs that promote the assumption that the cultural practices and values of one group are superior to those of another. This form of racism is often subtle and embedded in everyday life, influencing attitudes, behaviors, and policies. As a diverse school in East Harlem, many of the systems we come into contact with can promote biases unconsciously. Today is the day that you get to be a social justice worker. Imagine you work for an organization such as the Harlem Community justice center and work to promote equality for all in our community. Read up on some of their work to get ready to fight for what is right!

 

 

TASK Today, we will explore the concept of cultural racism, its impact on American society, and ways to address it within systemic frameworks. This form of racism is deeply embedded in various systems in America, including education, employment, healthcare, and the criminal justice system

 

Product: You will create a multimedia presentation (e.g., PowerPoint, video, or infographic) that includes:

1.  Definition and Examples: Clear explanation of cultural racism with real-world examples.

2.  Historical Context: Brief overview of the historical background of cultural racism.

3.  Impact Analysis: Discussion on the effects of cultural racism on different communities.

4.  Solutions and Actions: Proposals for addressing and mitigating cultural racism.

Timeframe

Week 1: Research and gather information on cultural racism.

Week 2: Develop the presentation outline and start creating content.

 

 

PROCESS

Your task is to act as social justice investigators working to uncover how cultural racism operates within various societal systems (such as education, healthcare, media, housing, or the justice system). Your goal is to raise awareness and propose solutions that promote equity and inclusion.

To complete your presentation, follow these steps:

Step 1: Brainstorm

●     Use the graphic organizer to brainstorm your ideas

●     Think about how your system impacts your community

Step 2: Research the topic

1.  Look up information about cultural racism in the system you chose.

2.  Use websites, videos, or articles your teacher recommends.

3.  Write down:

●     What cultural racism looks like in that system

●     Real examples or stories

●     Any facts or numbers that help explain the problem

 

Step 3: Graphic Presentation (The Policy Project Analysis)

●     Create a Google Slides presentation (or Canva) that includes:

●     A summary of your findings.

●     Visuals (charts, graphs, or images) that highlight key insights.

●     Examples of cultural racism in the societal system you investigated.

●     Actionable ideas or policy suggestions to address and reduce cultural racism in that system.

 

Not sure how to outline your presentation? You should have a slide in your presentation for each of the following steps. Use the resources available to assist you in completing your project.

🧩 Step 1: Define the Problem

🔗 Learning for Justice – What is Racism?

Write a short paragraph explaining what cultural racism is and where you see it happening (e.g., in school, housing, healthcare, or your own neighborhood, etc.)

📚 Step 2: Gather the Evidence

Goal: Find proof that the problem exists.

Student Resource: 🔗 NEA Racial Justice Toolkit

Includes facts, stories, and statistics about your issue and how it reveals cultural racism

Collect 2–3 examples (news stories, quotes, or statistics) that show cultural racism is a real problem.

 

🔍 Step 3: Identify the Causes

Goal: Figure out why the problem is happening.

Student Resource:🔗 Learning for Justice – Structural Racism

Explains how racism is built into systems. List 2–3 reasons why cultural racism exists (e.g., stereotypes in media, unfair school rules, lack of diverse books).

 

🧠 Step 4: Evaluate an Existing Policy

Goal: Look at a current rule or policy and see if it helps or hurts.

Student Resource: 🔗 ASCA Anti-Racism Resources

Shows how policies can enforce cultural racism. Choose one policy that applies to the issue you are working on. Does it help stop racism or make it worse? Explain why.

 

💡 Step 5: Develop Solutions

Goal: Think of ways to fix the problem.

Students Resource: Fighting Social Issues

Write down 2–3 ideas to help stop cultural racism in your school or community (e.g., start a cultural club, add diverse books, create a mural).

 

✅ Step 6: Select the Best Solution

Goal: Pick the best idea based on how easy and effective it is.

Make a chart comparing your ideas. Which one is easiest? Which one will make the biggest difference?

Feasibility vs. Effectiveness

 

Got stuck on your research? Use the following resources to further your investigation if you need any more information

1. Racial Equity Tools

🔗 https://www.racialequitytools.org

This site offers easy-to-understand articles, videos, and tools about racism in systems like education, healthcare, and housing. Great for students doing research or looking for real-world examples.

 

2. OpenLearn – Race and Ethnicity Hub

🔗 https://www.open.edu/openlearn/race-and-ethnicity-hub

Free courses, articles, and videos from Open University that explore racism, identity, and social justice. Topics include racism in schools, media, and the justice system.

 

3. Britannica Kids – Racism

🔗 https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Racism/334068

A simple and clear explanation of racism, including how it shows up in systems like education and healthcare. Perfect for middle school and early high school students.

 

 

EVALUATION

Rubric: Exploring Cultural Racism Presentation

Total Score:         /20

 

 

CONCLUSION

You’ve learned how cultural racism shows up in everyday life, in history, and in the systems around us. You’ve seen how events like slavery and the Holocaust still affect people today. But this isn’t just about the past—it’s about what you can do to help build a better future.

You don’t have to wait to be an adult to create change. You can speak up when you see unfairness. You can ask questions, share what you’ve learned, and stand up for others. You can join school clubs, start projects, or work with your community to make things more fair and inclusive.

Every action—big or small—matters. Keep learning. Keep listening. Keep using your voice. You have the power to help others understand cultural racism and to be a leader in making your school, your neighborhood, and your world a more just and welcoming place. Change starts with you. Are you ready to lead?

 

 

STANDARDS:

ELA Standards

Reading:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.2

 

Writing:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2:

 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4

 

Language:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.3