It’s been 60 years since the United States government passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin illegal. Since then, other legislation has come along to strengthen the protections provided by the law.
Sometimes, however, it feels like a continuous battle. For every action, such as the CROWN Act or the inclusion of intersectionality in anti-discrimination laws, that reminds us that progress is being made, there is a news story about California police officers stopping black and Hispanic drivers more often than white motorists.
Racial profiling is a discriminatory practice that makes people suspects of crimes based on their race or ethnicity rather than specific evidence. It can be impossible for those not in the groups racially profiled to understand the impact that it has on these groups.
Stress, anxiety and more
Stress and anxiety are common psychological effects of racial profiling. For a Black person, the fear of being unfairly targeted can lead to a constant state of vigilance. Long after an incident where they are singled out, the individual may feel constantly on edge, have difficulty concentrating, irritability and insomnia. The anxiety and stress can eventually extend into their daily activities, making activities such as shopping or driving a source of distress.
Several instances of racial profiling can result in depression and mistrust of law enforcement and authority figures. Individuals may start to alter their behavior or appearance to avoid drawing attention to themselves. It can also strain relationships. Feelings of frustration and alienation can arise towards people who have never experienced racial profiling and, thus, lack understanding.
It’s crucial to raise awareness that racial profiling is still prevalent throughout California and the nation. Advocacy and legal reforms are just a tiny part of the overall systemic changes needed.
If you believe you’ve been targeted because of your race, you do have resources available. Getting sound legal guidance can help you protect your rights.
