Racism is a complex and persistent problem that affects many aspects of society, such as education, health, employment, and justice. Racism can be defined as the belief that one’s race or ethnicity is superior or inferior to another, and that this difference justifies discrimination, prejudice, or violence. Racism can manifest at different levels, from individual attitudes and behaviors, to institutional policies and practices, to systemic and structural inequalities and oppression.
While racism is a national and global issue, it can also vary by location and context. Some places may have a history of racial violence, segregation, or exclusion, while others may have more diverse and inclusive communities. Some places may have more overt and explicit forms of racism, while others may have more subtle and implicit forms. Some places may have more opportunities and resources to address and combat racism, while others may have more barriers and challenges.
In this article, we will focus on one particular place in the United States: Illinois. Illinois is a Midwestern state with a population of about 12.7 million people, of which 61.5% are white, 14.6% are black, 17.5% are Hispanic or Latino, 5.9% are Asian, and 0.6% are Native American. Illinois is known for its diverse and vibrant culture, its political and economic influence, and its prominent role in the history of the civil rights movement. However, Illinois also has a dark and troubling legacy of racism, discrimination, and injustice, that continues to affect its present and future.
How to measure racism in Illinois
Measuring racism is not an easy task, as there is no single or definitive indicator or metric that can capture its multifaceted and dynamic nature. However, researchers and activists have developed various methods and approaches to quantify and compare different aspects and dimensions of racism, such as:
The prevalence and intensity of racial attitudes, stereotypes, and biases among individuals and groups, which can be measured by surveys, experiments, or implicit association tests.
The frequency and severity of racial discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes against individuals and groups, which can be measured by official reports, complaints, lawsuits, or victimization surveys.
The degree and extent of racial disparities, gaps, and inequalities in various outcomes and opportunities, such as education, health, income, wealth, employment, housing, criminal justice, and political representation, which can be measured by statistical analysis of census, administrative, or survey data.
The existence and effectiveness of racial policies, laws, and interventions to prevent, reduce, or eliminate racism and discrimination, and to promote racial justice, equity, and inclusion, which can be measured by legal analysis, policy evaluation, or impact assessment.
Using these methods and approaches, researchers and activists have identified and ranked the most and least racist cities, states, and countries in the world, based on different criteria and indicators. However, these rankings are not definitive or conclusive, as they may depend on the availability and quality of data, the choice and weighting of indicators, and the interpretation and presentation of results. Therefore, they should be taken with caution and context, and not as absolute or objective truths.
The most racist city in Illinois
According to one recent ranking, based on the analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, the most racist city in Illinois is Stanford. Stanford is a small city in McLean County, with a population of about 600 people, of which 97.8% are white, 0.5% are black, 0.8% are Hispanic or Latino, and 0.8% are Asian.
Stanford has a history of being a stronghold of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a white supremacist hate group that terrorized and lynched black people and other minorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.
According to a research by Virginia Commonwealth University, Stanford had the highest number of KKK organizations per capita in Illinois, with 94 active Klaverns between 1915 and 1940. Although the KKK is no longer active in Stanford, the legacy of its racism and violence may still linger in the city’s culture and institutions.
The ranking of the most racist city in Illinois is based on the following indicators and scores:
- Hate groups per 10,000 people: 0.00 (0th percentile)
- Hate crimes per 10,000 people: 0.00 (0th percentile)
- KKK organizations per 10,000 people: 156.67 (100th percentile)
- Black population percentage: 0.50 (1st percentile)
- Black median income percentage of white income: 0.00 (0th percentile)
The ranking also lists the following cities as the next most racist in Illinois, based on their scores on the same indicators:
- Shabbona
- Mount Pulaski
- Assumption
- Erie
- Winchester
- Venice
- Farmer City
- Lexington
- Nokomis
Conclusion
Racism is a complex and persistent problem that affects many aspects of society, and that varies by location and context. Illinois is a state with a diverse and vibrant culture, but also with a dark and troubling legacy of racism, discrimination, and injustice. According to one recent ranking, based on the analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, the most racist city in Illinois is Stanford, a small city in McLean County, with a history of being a stronghold of the KKK.
However, this ranking is not definitive or conclusive, as it may depend on the availability and quality of data, the choice and weighting of indicators, and the interpretation and presentation of results. Therefore, it should be taken with caution and context, and not as absolute or objective truths.
Racism is not a static or fixed phenomenon, but a dynamic and evolving one, that can be challenged and changed by collective action and social movements. The fight against racism requires not only measuring and exposing its manifestations and impacts, but also understanding and addressing its causes and solutions.