Racism in South Africa

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Racial Tension in South Africa Introduction While South Africa has been apartheid-free for nineteen years, racism still remains a crucial problem with severe social and economic consequences for the people of South Africa, despite predictions that banning apartheid would alleviate a lot of racial issues. It was predicted that the elimination of apartheid would also improve the economy of South Africa by improving international relations and providing equality to all citizens. This equality would reduce the White-dominated economy and allow Black South Africans to compete in the market, but at the end of 2010, the unemployment rate of South Africa was 24.9% of the population; which is actually greater than during apartheid. However, racism did not become a major problem for South Africa overnight. There are many historical factors that have increased the racial tension in South Africa. South Africa’s racial issue has roots in the colonial development of South Africa during British and Dutch colonization during the sixteenth century through independence. Apartheid also added to South Africa’s racial issues, by creating a divide between Black and White South African citizens. Once apartheid was eliminated, in 1994, racism continued to be a huge problem due to Black racial tension and government sanctions that were developed only to help Black South Africans. Additionally, racism in South Africa is not only an issue that has a negative effect on the economy, but on the social structure, as well. Furthermore, a huge multi-party system in South Africa has had a counterproductive effect on alleviating the racial tension in South Africa. Additionally, racial tension is not only an issue between the Black and White communities; post-apartheid Black communities have experienced increased tension amongst themselves. This paper will examine the aforementioned
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