Racism against African Americans began in American society during the 17th century, when the practice of slavery began to flourish in the South. Racism is “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences between various human races determine cultural or individual outcomes, usually involving the idea that one's race is superior and has the right to rule over others.” (Dictionary.com) Over the centuries, efforts have been made to make the lives of African Americans equal to those of their white counterparts. Although it is acclaimed that the days of racism against African Americans are over, it is present in all aspects of American life and therefore still affects victims. The racial class stratification of ancient times has left its mark on today's society. Although African American racism is said to not be present today, it has influenced discrepancies in economic classes, self-esteem and perception of one another, and stereotypes that have affected victims. Racism against the Black community, even if in the past, continues to impact the self-esteem of the victimized individual, influencing their thoughts and actions towards themselves. The effects of the skin color stratification of Black people that existed during slavery persist in today's society. Preferential treatment was given to lighter-skinned slaves, who were often the children of the master and a slave. Black people's preference for lighter skin is given in part because of the positive attributes associated with the particular skin tone throughout history. Skin color has many meanings for Black people; some wear their skin color with pride, while others see theirs as “sign[s] of oppression. Research on skin color preferences among African Americans has indicated that the most satisfied days... middle of paper... are perpetuated in today's society. It is important to note that Africans and white Americans did not start from the “same structural position” in terms of wealth. Although overt racism towards blacks has been downplayed, this racism or discrimination has turned into white favoritism towards whites; this is why black Americans continue to falter behind whites in terms of economic success. Dr. Nancy DiTomaso conducted interviews with whites of different social and political classes, concluding that inequality in society is prolonged due to white favoritism rather than discrimination. Employment favoritism among white Americans is an essential factor in maintaining their advantage and access to better-paying and safer jobs in the workforce. Despite racial classes, this favoritism supports the superiority of the white economic network.