When you thought racism was over!

Brenique Lightner

English 1 Ms.Pierce April, 4, 2011 4th period

We live in a house of mirrors and we think we are looking out the windows. ~Fitz Perts~ Racism is as much as a moral issue, as it is a political issue. The government of the United States should make every effort to insure that each individual is allowed his or her inalienable rights as outlined in the constitution. Racism is one of the worlds major issues today. Many people are not aware of how much racism still exists in our schools, workforces, and anywhere else where social lives are occurring Racism is very bad in our communities and it very hard for some people mostly because of how Americans view other races and how we perceive them. So many people live their lives trying to be all things to all people, and therefore lose the sense of who they are within.

If acceptance feels so good and is so good for us, then why dont we accept ourselves? The answer is motivation. We use our lack of acceptance (punishment - cause it feels bad) as motivation to get us to do, not do, be, and not be what we think we should. Many people believe that if they accepted themselves as they are they wouldnt change or that they wouldnt work on becoming more of who they want to be. But for some people thats different how we perceive people changes people. People from different countries want to fit in they dont want to counted as another race just because they speak different or look different , some end up losing there true heritage trying to fit in. thats when we start get confused on what different, unique, individual means. Like Helen with authentic self said This leads to feelings of disconnection and fragmentation as we try to fit ourselves into the picture we have created. According to popular issues dot com, the thoughts and affections of men cannot be legislated; the secret hates and prejudices of an individual heart are not bridled by any

law. Only the actions of a person can be, to any extent, controlled. So, if there is a law that dictates that no one will be denied employment due to race or ethnicity, then employers must abide by this. Nevertheless, in job locations all over America, applicants are carefully scrutinized and shrewd employers know just how to weed out those prospective employees who dont have the look that would best suit their establishment. The same holds true for housing. Landlords, building and homeowners, and block associations work hard to keep their homes and neighborhoods intact. Racism is never going to stop, but we can reduce it by influencing others to stop. You don't have to accept any form of racism. Everyone, no matter what their nationality or race, has a right to live happily and free from discrimination.

If the problem is in your school, you should approach a member of staff that deals with this type of incident or if you are not sure who to go to - talk to a member of staff who you can trust and tell him/her about what has been going on. You should also tell family and friends about this so that you can also get their help and support. Other parts of your life will suffer if you keep silent. Speak up now before the problem takes over.

Be prepared to speak out and tell people just how it's affecting your life and your wellbeing. If you are going to alert someone that you're being threatened, abused or bullied, then do it properly. Racism hurts and although most people think there not racist the little things count to like stereo typing because there family tree doesnt have that good of a background

which may include characteristics often associated with race.

Work C.ited

"Racism in America." Popular Issues - AllAboutPopularIssues.org. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. <http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/racism-in-america-faq.htm>. "United Nations | Amnesty International." Amnesty International | Working to Protect Human Rights. Web. 27 Mar. 2011. <http://www.amnesty.org/en/united-nations>. Authentic-Self, Helen. "Self Identity - Who Am I?" Become Your Authentic Self Self Improvement, Personal Development, Counseling, Workshops, Courses. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. <http://www.authentic-self.com/self-identity.html> "Is Racism Still Alive in America? | Common Dreams." Home | Common Dreams. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/04/02-7>.