Those sociological theories are functionalist theory, symbolic interaction theory and conflict theory. Functionalist theory states that racism exists due to lack of effort on the part of minorities to assimilate into the dominant culture and if minorities assimilated, society would be unanimous. (Crossman) The theory of symbolic interaction is that everyone is who they are thanks to the imitation of those around them and what they have learned over time, so when individuals of different races come into contact with each other they generate mutual responses based on information precedents accumulated during life. (Crossman) Symbolic exchanges take place during this meeting. (Crossman) Conflict theory states that class conflict is rooted in the system and that racism is embedded in class conflict and that to truly end racism class conflict must first be eradicated.