Racism is obviously still a huge problem - as we've seen with the recent Trevon Martin case. However, I'm sure many other things have happened that haven't gotten as much publicity. I'm sure if we did a survey in the class about how many people have experienced some form of racism in their life - a majority would raise their hand. A majority! That's ridiculous - especially, in a country where we're supposed to have equal opportunity.
Yes, America stands for freedom, and the price of freedom is letting people practice their beliefs - even if it means they are racist. However, I think we're letting it escalate out of control. When the rights of others infringe on basic human rights - (life in the case of Trevon Martin) we have a major major problem.
I don't understand why more isn't being done. Ignoring the problem isn't going to make it go away. I had a talk with my dad this weekend and found out why he had been sent to boarding school in the Himalayas when he was only 9 years old. Someone had shot an Indian boy in his neighborhood in Crenshaw, so his mom sent my dad and uncle back to India out of fear. Over 30 years later, we found ourselves switching schools because my brother was dealing with bullying from racist 2nd graders. (Keep in mind this is all BEFORE 9-11). You can only imagine how much more difficult their lives became after 9-11. Two doctors - who spend their days saving lives - walking into public places and being looked at like they are murderers. As a 9 year old, I just could not understand it. It's just wrong.
Something needs to be done, because if we haven't made progress in 30 years - does that mean we're regressing? If things like this seem normal - we have a problem.
I completely agree with what you're saying, Harleen. We have a serious issue and it ceases to amaze me that not much has been done to change our racist problems. As members of the so-called "remix" generation, are having the same problems that our parents and grandparents have been having. Why hasn't there been a progressive movement to alter this imagery?
ReplyDeleteOne source to the problem may be the people's openness for awareness. I mean, I'm guilty to this problem. I felt very guilty not knowing about the recent shootings in Pasadena. And my hometown is the neighboring city! We all get caught up in our college lives; yet, people need to get proactive about their surrounding current events and make the promise for change.