So I was asked why do I still firmly talk about racism and read about racism; and my honest answer was because we are still going through racism. Yes, it might not be an intense as it was back then but we are still dealing with. No matter what people say or do, racism is still a justification they use against us. Us, being the minorities.
I am a die hard bookworm. I love to read and sometimes I think my choice of books make people uncomfortable. I can speak eloquently on subjects that the average person would probably look over. Oh well. I am going to continue to read and speak on racism because it is a strong factor in everything. People still view minorities as criminals, they still clutch their bag as if we are going to rob them and lastly they think we are uneducated.
I have read articles where people truly believe that racism is a figment of our imagination. My first reaction was: you cannot be serious right now. After everything that was documented and everything that we have learned in school and research as we got older; you really believe that racism is not real. How is that even possible?
Yes, racism is different with children and different in general in this present day. Children do not see color or race. They see another young face and will interact. In children, yes they are not born with the knowledge and concept of racism. This is a learned trait from adults around them, body language & actions among people of the opposite race. But how do you explain why your child might be considered “racist” as they grow up?
People fail to realize when you turn your lip up at the next person, people are witnessing this. People are using that and running with it. You are also lose people, even in your inner circle. No one wants someone around them that are going to be judgmental towards them or someone they know because they are the opposite race of you. No one is superior than the next and this is the problem.
Back then Whites thought they were superior to Blacks. Fine, we cannot write history from the past but we can change our future and create a path you would want your children to live and thrive in. Every race has qualities to do great in this world. No one can change how you are. But in order to grow we must leave racism alone. We must find something to justify something. We must learn to accept everyone for who they are and not for the color of their skin. We must leave in the past all the “judgements” your grandmas, great grandmas and anyone us from that era and allow the future to speak for itself.
I say this to say, racism is not a figment of our imagination. Racism is still actively present and no matter what we say only we can change that. Statistics have proved that it is slowly changing but even then we need to do better. We need to change and just love everyone for who they are. Agree to disagree but be respectful that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and will do things based on their beliefs. Your beliefs and opinions do not outshine mine. We can all shine bright in this world. There is nothing but space and opportunities available to us to be the best we can be.
Lets take this journey and make it happen because actions speak louder than words.
Aisha's Corner 