There are various definitions of both racism and society. It is important to clearly define these terms when addressing such a controversial and emotional issue. 'Racism' is defined by Merriam-Webster as "a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race" or "racial prejudice or discrimination". The latter of these two definitions is what I will use as my working definition. The second term, 'society', is defined by Merriam-Webster as "a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests." My working definition for this paper, however, is "the American population as a whole". When a topic as substantial as racism in society is discussed, all Americans must be taken into consideration.

Under these definitions, racial influences have played a large part in the formation of America today. 'R

All one must do is look at the structure of any major American city. In any of these cities one will find a black area, a Jewish area, an Italian area, and so on. It is suggested that this happens because people of the same culture feel more comfortable together. This comfortableness with one group and not with another is a form of racism. Group members are therefore prejudiced against groups outside of their own. It has been proven that the first thing a child is taught is often what their beliefs will become. Understanding this concept, it is quite clear that the racist thoughts white slave owners had in the 1700's would be passed down to their children and that the hate slaves had for their white owners would be passed down to their children as well. The result of this is a constant passing down of hate, which grows from one generation to the next. The southern part of the United States today is still thought of as racially biased. This belief would make sense if one considers that previous generations of the South were involved with slavery.

Racism continued into the mid 1860's when the Civil War took place. The Civil War itself took place in large part because of racism via slavery. Although the side favoring an end to slavery won the war, this heightened racism in many ways. No longer in control of the black population in the South, many white landowners' hate towards blacks grew. They could not handle that blacks might actually be considered human. This rage led to violent lynching and murders. Although slavery was ended by means of the Civil War, violent acts against blacks in the south continued.

The racism following the Civil War continued well into the 20th century. By the 1950's, discrimination had become such a problem in society that politicians became greatly involved in trying to equalize the rights of minorities with those of the majority. This effort for equality by politicians furthered hate and suffering for minorities in America. Incidents such as the bombing in Mississippi and the burning of many black churches in the

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