Essay, Research Paper: Racism In America

RACISM IN AMERICA
If someone asked you what it would be like to live in a
perfect world, how would you reply? Many people might say
something like, “A place without and arguments or fighting.”
Others might say “A place where there is not pollution.” But,
has anyone one ever thought to say, “A place without racism.”?
For some Americans, racism has never even crossed their
minds. For others, it is something they have to live with
everyday. In some societies in America, racism isn’t even a
factor, all citizens of the community get along. But, in other
societies, racism is a case that could be life threatening.
Racism, in definition, is “the belief that humanity is
divided into stratified genetically different socks called races;
according to it’s adherent’s racial differences make one group
superior to another.” (Ethics; Walker, Randolph Meade, 722)
If you are a racist, you believe in racism. Racists will often
claim that members of their own race or minority are
“mentally, physically, morally and/or culturally superior to
those of other races.” (The World Book Encyclopedia;
Pettigrew, Thomas F., 62) For these reasons, many racists
think they deserve special rights or privileges.
The Bill of Rights was written a little under 200 years
ago, yet controlling racism in America is still a task no one can
seem to over take. In South Carolina, a Confederate flag still
waves high over the capitol for everyone to see. Is the kind of
example we want to set for the youth of America?
To people in Europe, Asia, and on other continents,
America is a wonderful place to live. It has been said to be “one
of the greatest nations on earth.” (Nova; Marshall,
Christopher) Yet, our struggle to regulate all of our citizens is
a revolutionary war that has yet to and probably will never be
won.
Slavery is said to be one of the greatest racial tragedies to
ever happen in America. Upon the entrance of this new
millenium, slavery and racism is still practiced in America.
White Americans have their forefathers to blame for the
hatred and anger they have in their hearts concerning races
different from theirs. What is said to be “the God-given right to
equality and ultimate freedom” (Nova; Marshall, Christopher)
has been crushed for many, by the uncited ignorance of my
‘finely’ educated people. Racists often need someone to blame
for the wrong-doings, hatred and stupidity in America. Who
better to blame than someone with skin of a different color?
Racism is just another form of prejudice. If a person or
group of people acts or dresses differently, these people may
get distrusted or disowned. Many people do not recognize the
good qualities that another group possess. White Americans
are the main directors of racism against ethnic minority
groups.
“Most white Americans are unaware of how self
destructive racism can be.” (Nova; Marshall,
Christopher)
Does America need an AWAKENING? Would it do any
good? If you were to put yourself in the shoes of an African
American, an American Indian, a Puerto Rican...you might say
that American is in definite a major make-over concerning all
races.
Two white students were suspended for assaulting
African American students at Millard High School in
Omaha, Neb. And a third white student was threatened
by other whites for associating with the school’s 25
blacks. (CQ Researcher; Phillips, Susan, 3)
Are you ready for that make-over?
Many white students, for example, believe that blacks
now have equal access to a college education... (CQ
Researcher; Phillips, Susan, 4)
Or do you think everyone is over reacting on this whole
issue?
A real issue some people have, concerns the police and
reporters. Reporters often use the terms “alleged killing” and
“alleged racism” in their columns. “Since when has a
beheading been known as anything else other than
murder...you don’t accidentally behead someone...” (Media
Watch; Boyce, Kesha) With the police “investigating whether
this is a hate crime or not” has made many non-racists and
African Americans quite angry. “Since when has two white
men dousing a black man with gasoline and setting him on fire
not been a hate crime...” (Media Watch; Boyce, Kesha)
I just want you to know, as you are finishing reading this
report-I did not write it to change your mind or make you
biased in one way or another toward racism. I just wanted
open your eyes to some of the disturbing things going on in
your great nation, and possibly right in your own back yard, at
your child’s school, even in your workplace.
Shootings happen everyday, but beheadings don’t. If
this is supposed to be the year when America and
everybody is supposed to re-evaluate the “issues of
race”...then what the heck is going on...” (Media Watch;
Boyce, Kesha)
Are your eyes open wide?


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