A separate but equal race in racism is not respectful
Lindsey Oyler
Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: Opinion
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I grew up in Taylorville. The population is less than 12,000, and the racial diversity is minimal. I grew up with stereotypes in movies and wasn't educated very well by my family. However, being somewhat curious and still a child, my first black friend was introduced to me in the fifth grade. I didn't see an issue and I still don't. Even with that bond from childhood, I'm still afraid to say the wrong thing in front of the wrong people. I don't know what's proper etiquette when dealing with races. I simply get by on the fact that everyone should be equal. I'm a firm believer that everyone deserves to be treated the same.
Everything is separate, but we are ironically trying to advance racial equality. It's a complete oxymoron. We try to advance the opportunities of other races, but having separate efforts weakens our advancement as a whole. We are so afraid of offending others that we segregate even more to be sure that everybody is represented in society. My best guess is that our children are going to form a new kind of racism, bringing back "separate but equal." People have made advances in their own way toward total equality, but are lacking in making these opportunities such as cultural organizations available to all. I understand that there is a Black Heritage Month, but why not make it more like International Week and celebrate every culture at SIUE? It would be respectful while still maintaining the idea of our different pasts. The point is that we shouldn't separate ourselves while trying to make our lives equal. We should work together.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jordan
posted 2/08/10 @ 7:54 PM CST
This article is spot on. In social movements where there is great suppression power, events like those that regularly occur during Black History Month may be needed, but as time moves on incorporation becomes more important than pride-style events. (Continued…)
Joe Hamel
posted 2/09/10 @ 12:46 PM CST
Lindsey, you were born way too late to have even witnessed the atrocities committed against nonwhites! You may have grown up in a racially homogeneous small town, but there are many white people who didn't! You wrote "We know it was horrible of our ancestors to do, but it's not like we can take it back. (Continued…)
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