Throughout the past, scientists have attempted to explain the health disparity between African Americans and whites. With the completion of the Human Genome Project, it has been shown that there are very few differences between different races at the genetic level. However, “African Americans are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease as their European counterparts,” the question that arises is where these differences come from (Harell, Floyd, Daniels, and Bell). Recently, scientists have begun to believe that racism could explain these differences (Belgrave & Allison, 2010). Racism has been a problem for African Americans since the early days of slavery. Wherever they go, they risk being treated differently because of their race. Over the past fifty years, the racism that African Americans faced has diminished, but it still remains prevalent. According to Belgrave and Allison, racism is defined as “negative beliefs, actions, and emotions based on race.” Although there are different types of racism, this definition gives a generalization of what racism is. It appears that racism is the cause of many health problems faced by African Americans. Whether because African Americans generally do not receive the same health services as whites or because direct racism causes higher blood pressure, racism has a negative effect on the health of African Americans (Belgrave and Allison, 2010). Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to see if racism has an effect on the self-esteem of African Americans and the health risks associated with racism, primarily high blood pressure. The independent variable is perceived racism and the dependent variables are self...... middle of paper ... and blood pressure. Racism is a problem faced by many African Americans in the United States. This affects both their self-esteem and their health. Until they get the help they need or racism dissipates from society, they will always have these problems. References Belgrave, AZ and Allison, KW (2010S). African American Psychology, from Africa to America. (2nd ed., pp. 96-112). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Fischer, A. R., & Shaw, C. (1999). Mental health of African Americans and perceptions of racist discrimination: The moderating effects of racial socialization experiences and self-esteem. Journal of Counseling Psychology,46(3), 395-407. Retrieved from psycnet.apa.org/journals/cou/46/3/395.htmlHarrell, CPJ, Floyd, LJ and Bell, SR Psychophysiological Methods: Enduring Value for Black Psychology Research.