Would Racism diminish if we quit trying to be so different?

Question

Everyone is striving for equality in America, yet going out of their way to be different. I don't understand why we can't all just be Americans instead of placing unnecessary and dividing labels on ourselves. If someone is born in America, then that makes them American, regardless of heritage. I am proud of my ancestry but I don't go calling myself a European-American. I am proud to be an American and I do not need any other labels to define who I am. If a person is born elswhere and becomes a citizen of the USA, then go for it. Call yourself African-American or Cuban-American or whatever. I believe that this so called political correctness is actually helping to perpetuate the stereotypes that breed racism. If we truly wish to be a UNITED States of America, shoulden't we start by calling ourselves AMERICANS? Be proud of your heritage, but be more proud of being born in the best country in the world.

We even place the nation of heritage BEFORE our nation of birth. Things progress in an order, thought-feeling-action,perhaps, if we begin thinking like united americans by removing these stupid, counter productive labels, we can start moving toward real unity.

Answer 1

I think you have some valid points. Why do we call anyone with dark brown skin African-American when some of them haven't had a decendent from Africa for many generations?

I agree that no matter what your background, if you were born in the United States of American than you are an American (although the term American can refer to any one of 3 continents, it is most commonly associated with the US).

While it is important to maintain ones cultural history and knowledge, an excessive amount of pride can easily lead to ethnic hatred and cause distress among the various ethnicities that inhabit the United States. Case in point is California where Gang violence has increased 24% last year mostly involving gangs whose whole problem is people of another color.

It's sad really, but as long as people keep labeling themselves, people don't have to do it for you.

Answer 2

Well, America is a place where people are given the freedom to speak and worship as they wish (as long as it's not threatening). Diversity is the strength of the country. It brings new ideas and perspectives to the group as a whole.

I think the root of the problem with racism is ignorance and intolerance. Racists have no respect for people that are different. They are equally unwilling to learn or open themselves to those unlike themselves.

Answer 3

what you really meant to say was stop being so different and start being more patriotic? ( sorry just couldn't resist playing devil's advocate)
Well I think that it is impossible to deny the differences in culture that we as DIFFERENT people face everyday in fact I think that racism would truly diminish if people valued differences instead of condemning them or deappreciating them. We are all different so there is no need in trying to pretend that we are all the same when we aren't what we need to do which I think you tried to touch on in your rant is that we need to focus on things that link us as human beings like country of origin, religion, favorite hobbies, music or whatever and start at least enjoying each other and what we have in common and mroe importantly acknowledging and respecting our differences as well.

Answer 4

Each man is greatly different from the other, that is the beauty of diversity. Racism does not diminish with conformity, it diminishes with a proper education for man to realize that all humanity are only of one race, one country, one family.

Answer 5

I agree with you. You know whats funny. I didn't vote to be called an African-American. That's the label that they gave me and it stuck. I don't think it will ever cease. Nice to dream though.

Answer 6

No, no, and....lemme think about that....no.

Racism will always be around, it will NEVER disappear. Same goes for wars and such. It's human nature. "Everyone is striving for equality in America"....read that sentence over and over and you will notice how stupid it is to ask this question. For how long has everyone been striving for equality? A very long time. Has America changed? Hell no.

That's the way it's going to be.

Also, you're telling me to be proud of being born in the best country in the world. HAHA thanks, I wasn't born in the US, I've only been here for 5 years and I HATE IT. It's the GAYEST, FATTEST country in the world. I hope I get outta here soon.

Answer 7

yeah.