Racism is a pervasive issue that has been present in human societies for centuries. Despite efforts to reduce racism, it remains a significant problem in many parts of the world. One way that racism is perpetuated in the past is through the news. News plays an important role in shaping public attitudes and perceptions of race and ethnicity. News outlets have the power to either challenge or reinforce stereotypes and prejudices about people of different races and ethnicities. It depends on the way news outlets report  to the public. So it is very important for news outlets to be mindful of how they are reporting on issues related to race and ethnicity and to work towards providing fair and accurate coverage. In contrast, nowadays new media which includes social media platforms, online news outlets, and other forms of digital communication, can both contribute to and mitigate racism has also played a crucial role by influencing and shaping public opinion.

What is racism?

Racism is a complex and multifaceted problem that affects individuals, communities, and societies on a global scale. At its core, racism involves the belief that certain races or ethnicities are inherently superior or inferior to others, which can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion. One of the main problems with racism is that it creates unequal opportunities and access to resources for people based on their race or ethnicity. This can result in social, economic, and political disparities that can have a long-lasting impact on individuals and communities. Moreover, it contributes to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and prejudices that can affect how people are treated in different settings, including in education, employment, and healthcare. Racism can also lead to feelings of fear, mistrust, and division, which can make it difficult for people to work together and build strong, inclusive communities. This can create a cycle of discrimination and exclusion that can be difficult to break. 

Finally, racism can have a negative impact on the overall well-being and productivity of societies. By excluding certain groups and creating unequal access to resources, societies are not able to fully utilize the skills, talents, and potential of all members, which can ultimately hinder economic growth and social progress.

Change in positive way

Change in a positive way shows that news and new media played an essential role to decrease the amount of racism. When news media outlets report on stories in a fair and balanced way that highlights diverse perspectives and challenges stereotypes, it can contribute to the reduction of racism. For example, if news outlets report on the contributions and achievements of people of color in various fields, this can challenge the false idea that people of color are less intelligent or less capable than their white counterparts. 

Likewise, new media can also provide a platform for marginalized communities to share their experiences and perspectives, and to counteract racist narratives. Social media campaigns and movements like #StopAsianHate, #AsianAreHuman and #BlackLivesMatter has used digital media to raise awareness about systemic racism and advocate for change in social justice and equality. The use of new media has allowed people to share their stories and experiences with a global audience, giving them a platform to amplify their voices and demand change. Additionally, digital media can facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding, as people from different backgrounds can connect and engage with each other through online platforms in ways that were not possible before. This can lead to increased empathy tolerance, appreciation and a greater appreciation for diversity.

Example case that help to decrease amount of racism

#StopAsianHate is one of the famous social media campaigns that was created to bring attention to the rising incidents of anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination in the United States and other countries. The campaign was sparked by a series of violent attacks on Asian Americans, particularly in COVID-19 pandemic, which some politicians and media outlets blamed on Asian people.This viral campaign aims to raise awareness about the experiences of Asian Americans and other Asians who have faced discrimination, hate speech, and violence. It calls for an end to systemic racism and prejudice against Asian communities and encourages people to call out against hate crimes and discrimination. The campaign has brought together a diverse group of individuals and organizations, including Asian American activists, celebrities, and politicians, as well as partners from other communities. It has also led to a series of protests and gatherings across the United States and other countries, drawing attention to the need for greater awareness and action to combat anti-Asian racism.

As a result, the #StopAsianHate campaign helped to create a platform for Asian Americans and their partners to raise awareness about and fight against the rising incidents of hate and violence directed towards Asian communities. The campaign has brought attention to the need for greater awareness and action to combat racism and discrimination against all marginalized communities to promote greater understanding and respect for Asian cultures and perspectives to work towards a world free from discrimination and hate.

Change in negative way

Conversely change in a negative way ilustrate that news and new media played a crucial role to increase amount of racism. When news media outlets present stories in a way that reinforces negative stereotypes or sensationalizes incidents involving people of color, it can perpetuate racist attitudes and behaviors. For example, if news outlets disproportionately report on crimes committed by people of color, this can reinforce the false idea that people of color are inherently more violent or dangerous. 

By the same token new media can facilitate the spread of racist messages and ideas, as hate groups and individuals can use social media to disseminate their views to a wide audience. Social media platforms can also reinforce existing biases by enabling the creation of echo chambers, where people are exposed only to information and viewpoints that confirm their existing beliefs or biases. This can lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes towards people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Moreover, it can lead to an increase in online hate speech, harassment of people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds might give some people the confidence to use hate speech or other forms of harassment due to the anonymity of the internet. Social media platforms have been criticized for not doing enough to address hate speech and harassment on their platforms.

In addition, misinformation and fake news can spread false or misleading information about racial or ethnic groups can be particularly damaging when false information is spread widely on social media platforms. Also cyberbullying, can contribute to the perpetuation of racism by allowing individuals to spread harmful and discriminatory messages online. Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital communication tools, such as social media, text message, or email, to harass, intimidate, or humiliate someone. This can take the form of racist comments, slurs, or insults directed towards people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds and particularly targeting marginalized communities. This can lead to the further entrenchment of racist views and the marginalization of minority groups.

Example case that effect to increase amount of racism

White Nationalist Forums is a good example of echo chambers that increase the amount of racism. They use online space to create communities to promote white supremacist ideology to connect and share their views. These forums often contain racist language,  propaganda, and members frequently engage in hate speech towards people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds,  and serve as a platform for the spread of misinformation and fake news The increase in white nationalist forums and the amount of racism online can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the anonymity of the internet, which allows individuals to express their views without fear of consequences. This anonymity also allows people who have the same idea to find each other form online communities where they can reinforce their beliefs and support each other.

In effect, the increase in white nationalist forums and the amount of racism online threatens to undermine social cohesion and promote division. It is important to recognize the danger posed by these communities. Promoting the exchange of diverse perspectives and open dialogue can help combat the effects of echo chambers and promote greater understanding and inclusivity.

Summary

In conclusion, new media can both increase and decrease the amount of racism in society. On one hand, new media can contribute to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes towards people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds. This can happen through the spread of misinformation, the creation of online echo chambers, the use of racist language and hate speech in online forums and also cyberbullying on racism.

On the other hand, new media can also provide opportunities for greater awareness, understanding, and inclusivity. For example, social media can be used to promote anti-racism campaigns, share diverse perspectives, and provide a platform for marginalized communities to share their experiences. Additionally, new media can be used to hold individuals and institutions accountable for discriminatory behavior and promote accountability and transparency.

To summarize, the impact of new media on issues related to racism is complex and multifaceted. Depends on a variety of factors such as the type of media, the specific context, and the intentions of its users. It is important to know that while new media platforms can contribute to the spread of racism, they can also be used to combat racism and promote greater understanding and inclusivity. It is up to individuals and communities to use these platforms responsibly and to challenge harmful ideas and stereotypes whenever they encounter them.

• In your point of view do you things new media increase or decrease the amount of racism?