Racism
The dictionary definition of racism is the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. I saw something tonight that¬†made me think. It was a chain letter type thing that was about how if white people take pride in their race, it makes them racist, but when other races such as Asians, Blacks, etc. take pride in their races, they aren’t.
I have¬†no problem with race pride, but doesn’t having pride in you race technically define some level of racism in you? I am not proud to be white; although, when I think of being of another race, I would like to stay just the way I am. I guess that defines some level of racism in me, as well. I have no problem with any other race. I have made some judgement. As a human, that is normal. I have seen different behaviors in different races: more common behaviors, but there are people that make the generalizations not always true.
This year, my history teacher, who has a degree in psychology, told us that racism comes through blood lines and that the only way that we can get rid of racism is to not pass the generalizing onto lower generations and to put races together to work in unison for a common goal. I would love to see a world with no racism, but that is impossible in our generation. We have a very long way to go. I could certainly fight against racism, but I believe that I have other things that I could do with my time that could benefit myself and others more than a fight against racism.
I believe that one day this world will be clean of racism, but it is far from that point right now. The chain letter that¬†I saw talked about things like Black History month, the United Negro College Fund, Black Exposition… things like that and how if whites had those, they’d be racist. If people truely wanted to get rid of racism, we would tear down all of these things and stop saying things that were said in that chain letter. When this world is clean of racism, it will not have organizations like that. I don’t think these organizations are wrong. Sometimes, races organize them for other races as an apology for unfair treatment, which helps at first, but the recieving race should never demand that things like that to be done. If they wanted to abolish the racism, they would simply forget the past. Of course, that’s a bit harder than it sounds. We should say our sorries, forget the past, and move on with our busy little lives.
I take pride in my own actions. I’m proud of being me. I don’t take pride in the fact that I’m white. I take pride in my personal character and abilities. I take pride in the way I treat others. I take pride in my musical abilities. You should, too.
June 21st, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Boy, you done made me proud. Of you. And of myself. But not our whiteness. Really.
June 22nd, 2006 at 3:40 pm
One piece of the puzzle missing from your notes is ‘minority’ vs. ‘majority’. We need organizations because racism does exist and those races that are most affected are the minority.
It’s easy to equate the theory of racism across all races… but not when you look at the balance of power. As a minority, you require organizations to ensure that power is not abused and racism doesn’t provide the ruling race with the upper hand.
October 30th, 2006 at 9:57 am
Billy, It took courage to tackle,{nice performance by Manning yesterday,} such an explosive topic. Many of your opinions are true and yourview of the world is different than those of us that remember fire hoses and attack dogs going after protesters who’s only crime was wanted to be treated llike a human being. The attack dogs were held by the police.
Racism cannot be practiced by the black community because of we lack power, we can practice descrimination and hurt whites on a one on one basis, but our actions would have little impact on the race of white people.
We need black history month, black expo and black pride because of our lack of self esteme. These events have raised our pride and performance. We do not have a link to our history due to the salve trade. Ask your whtie friends about their homeland country of their family. then ask your black friends, compare your answers. Who understands more about their family history, who has more pride.
I enjoyed your work and love the photo, What type of music do you listen to, try Coup and public enemey.