Final answer:
Yes, racist beliefs can become part of economic life, as evidenced by historical and present examples of economic discrimination, despite opportunities that economic freedom might offer. Racist ideologies require power to impact economic outcomes, and combating them requires consistent antiracist actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can racist beliefs become a part of economic life? The answer is yes. Racist beliefs can and have become integrated into economic systems. History provides numerous examples where economic freedom has been utilized by oppressed groups like Jewish and emigrant Chinese populations to carve out economic niches for themselves, despite facing legal and social discrimination. However, these markets and economic opportunities do not necessarily eradicate discrimination, as seen in the persistence of discrimination against African Americans in the United States, despite the market-oriented nature of its economy.
It's clear from historical examples, such as Apartheid in South Africa or the century-long gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the US, that racism can deeply affect economic equality and opportunity. Furthermore, the concept that racist attitudes need power to be impactful is crucial. In the context of economic life, this power manifests in shaping opportunities, perceptions, and outcomes for different racial groups.
Therefore, while markets might offer some degree of freedom, they alone are not sufficient to abolish the systemic nature of racism, which can be perpetuated through various means, including economic structures. Conscious daily actions towards antiracism are required to combat these deep-seated issues.