Institutional Racism in the Government - Essay Example

Institutional racism is likewise existent in the government, most particularly at the federal level; although, it was thought to have ceased after the election of the first Black president in the person of Barack Obama. But despite this, there was no sign of complete eradication. In fact, “Despite claims that we live in a “post-racial” society after the historic election of Barack Obama, the fact remains that the colour line and racial hierarchy endures in the 21st century” (Mikulich, 2012).

Prior to the 2008 Presidential election where Obama runs under the Democratic Party, there was a stern scrutiny on Obama’s racial background. Logically, if indeed we live in the post-racial era where institutional racism has long been slain, what for was the probe on Barack Obama’s racial background? If indeed there was no racial discrimination in the government, why was the racial background “questioning” only executed for Barack Obama and none for the other non-Black candidates? “His blackness was frequently questioned - is he black enough or not - while his whiteness and that of his opponents went unquestioned” (Mikulich, 2012).

This might soon give rise to a chaotic political squabble considering that Black Americans are standing strong for their rights. But until that time comes, there would always be the disease we thought has long died but continues to differentiate us.