What Is Racism

     Today, racism is still a very controversial issue among many people. The root of the problem is that most people do not even know what racism is. Racial prejudice is often mistaken for racism. If we came up with a united stance on what racism truly is, then may the issue would not be such a problem. It is time to put an end to the ignorance, and time to get informed. 




Some examples:

1. Race based jokes told by a person of any race - Race jokes are not racist. However, they are a form of racial prejudice. Even if they are not racist, they can still be hurtful and offensive.

2. The use of the "N" word - I do not know if this is considered to be racist. I just think that it should not be used at all.

3. A high school homecoming parade to feature a float with a tepee and an “Indian maid” with a feather in her hair to celebrate the school’s athletic teams that are known as the Braves? - This is not racist. The team is just using the Indian character to portray its team. No racist acts are involved, and I do not believe that anyone is being offended.

4. The Border Patrol to target populations that are clearly Latino in its search for immigrants without proper documentation - This action is not really racist. It is more an incident of racial profiling.

5. A particular group of people to be economically and socially isolated in one part of our community - This is not racist. No one is forcing these people to live together. People live where they feel comfortable and where they can afford to live.  

     Racism to me is when people are treated unequally because of their race. They are denied basic rights. I draw the line whenever someone is not respected because of their race. God created all people to be equal, so why treat someone like they are inferior? 

     I think for many people, talking about race puts them out of their comfort zone. A person does not know what can be said without offending others. Race does not have to be an issue, if we can just learn to talk about it. However, most of the time when I hear people talking about race, a bunch of stupid, ignorant things are said. Racial jokes and stereotypes are made. I think this is because people do not fully understand other races. We only know what people put out in the open, or what we see and here. Most of the time, only the bad things are put out in the open. 

     If people of different races took the time to talk and understand each other people might have different opinions. Maybe your opinions will stay the same, but at least you will have a new found knowledge. Be informed before you draw a conclusion. Do not speak on what you do not know. Be accepting and tolerant of different people.