Do you think racism is still alive in our modern society?

Question

As a black college student in a predominatly white town, I've experienced what I believe is racism. Examples, having to wait to be helped after a white women is helped even though I was at the counter first, cashiers putting my cash on the counter even though I have my hand out.

I know that some people just go around looking for racism, but I do believe that racism is an issue that still needs to be addressed even in this society.

What about you, have you experienced racism?

Answer 1

Yes, I believe racism still exists, but I don't think it is predominately a white problem. I think it is exercised by every race. My wife teaches 3rd grade and had a boy who acted terrible to her. She requested a conference with the dad. During the conference, the dad said that his boy acts that way because he has taught him to disrespect white people. I was floored. I can only imagine the uproar if I were to make the same comment to my son's black teacher. I think Affirmative Action and laws of the such are to blame in perpetuating racism. These laws draw attention to the skin color of individuals that probably wouldn’t be there without it. Don’t get me wrong, I think at a certain point in time it served a good purpose, but that time has gone. It seems to do more harm than help now. The United ***** College Fund, Miss Black USA, BET, etc. If a white person were to create the same organizations that served only white people, it wouldn't stand a chance. Preferential treatment to a person based on race is racism, no matter how you slice it. Affirmative Action just makes it legal now. That is, as long as it is preferential treatment to any race other than white. I taught high school for many years and know from experience that every race has an equal chance for success, as far a intelligence is concerned. One of the smartest students I ever taught was a black girl. She was brilliant. Her brother was just as smart. The only benefit that they had over others, regardless of race, was strong family support. Their parents provided a consistent and nurturing environment and the children flourished because of it. The fact is that black people in our past suffered great injustices, but there is nothing that can be done to reverse what was done. Jews were persecuted for a much longer time and people don’t seem to think that they need reparations. I can’t stand racism regardless of where it is coming from. Personally, I would be embarrassed if I were a minority and given preferential treatment such as college admittance, a job, a loan, or any thing else based on my skin color. This says to me “Hey, we know you could never have achieved this on your own, but we will let you in because you are (insert color).” We need to give more consideration to the individual and less to skin color. Until that time comes, racism will continue.

Answer 2

I think it might have been racism or it might not have been. If you apply for and don't get a job, is that racism or maybe you didn't interview well? Get pulled over for speeding - racism or you were driving too fast?

I have often been angry that I wasn't served in the correct order. Since the cashier was the same race, I just thought they were being incompetent, not mean.

Since you are in an all white town, you are probably feeling a little unnerved and it would be easy to interpret all of life's injustices as racism. I would recommend that you develop a thick skin and let the little things slide. Of course, if you experience serious issues (like being refused a job, apartment, scholarship, etc.) because of your race, then you should complain loudly and publically.

Answer 3

I am white and go to a school in a predominantly black town, so I've experienced the switch around version of what you are going through. I've experienced some racism too actually, so I know its around. Even white people get racism too. It's not just reserved toward the other races. I think we will always be a work in progress because there will always be problems between differents groups throughout history. The Egyptians and Jews, Romans and Jews, Greeks and other Greek tribes, the Crusades, its lasted this long throuhout the Earth's lifespan, how do we expect to remove it?

Answer 4

Hi. I know you are right. Fortunately, I have not experienced racism. I am white though, and that is probably why. I do have friends, however who have experienced racism first-hand. I live in a predominately "white" upper-class suburb and any teenager who has any color to their skin is pulled over by the local police if they are driving. This is just one example that I find not only offensive but very sad. I'm really sorry for what you've had to experience. People are mean and ignorant.

Answer 5

Racism will always prevail in this country. It is still a shock to many young people because some are brought up as equals, and when they get to the real world, see that it still exists. I probably could go on and on. But you should check out this book called "Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States" by Eduardo Bonilla-Sliva. It was a great read in my Soc class in college. Definately an eye opener to those who did not see before (i went to a predominately white college)

Answer 6

Well, I would be lying if I said that I've experienced rasism, especially towards me since I'm a white girl. Anyway. I do believe that racism is a problem that needs to be noticed more. I mean, look at the KKK. They're more organized than ever now! And the people that treated you like that should be ashamed! i say NO to racism!

Answer 7

You are a fool if you believe that racism doesn't still exist today. Of course it does. It is just on the dl and it is personal issue versus a legislative issue.

But you, yourself are racist. Everyone is. Bigotry has never been exclusively white. There is a chain effect. Black people used to be at the bottom, below them are the Mexicans, below them the Indians...and so on and so forth...just ask Carlos Mencia if you don't believe me.

Its not right or fair. I see racism all the time, and I have been subjected to it, but just think that you are above those people because, yes everyone judges people on the color of their skin, but only ignorant people act on stereotypes.

Answer 8

surprisingly even white guys like myself have experienced racism. I am in the military and stationed near the mexican border and I notice that at resturaunts I am treated much differently than the locals.
I can see others get seated before me, served before me and just treated better. I never thought that white people faced racism until I came here. I hold no grudges against these people for I am not perfect. GOD said ye who has no sin cast the first stone.

Answer 9

I believe that racisim is very much alive in modern society. I am a white female, but I've still encountered racism from others and I've also seen other people of other races discriminated against and it's really a sad thing to see.

Answer 10

Racism is very alive, unfortunately. However I strongly believe that if people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would go away racism would be less of a problem. They keep the pot stirred so they will always have a job.