The millennial generation holds a different, more open perspective towards racial prejudice, racism, and diversity, than any other generation. Millennials are taking a step in the right direction and are more willing to bring to light the racial conversation necessary to assist America in becoming the ideal “post-racial” society.
NPR conducted a Talk of the Nation piece titled "The 'Post-Racial' Conversation, One Year In", shortly after President Barack Obama was elected into office. Ralph Eubanks, author of "The House at the End of the Road", was the keynote speaker of the podcast and defines a "post-racial" society in two ways. The first being, that race is no longer an obstacle, in no way would it hinder the progress of American society. The second definition being that in a 'post-racial' society, denizens are color-blind, race is not a issue as we do not see any difference. I have a few issues with the second definition, and here is why. Eubanks continues to make an interesting statement -in 2010, when this talk took place, but is very much so relevant 6 years later-. He explains, "But I always say that saying that we are post-racial implies that we've had a conversation in American society about race. And that conversation is very much continuing right now, which is what I believe is happening,". The host retorts, "...so if people are denying that things are about race and actively not talking about race, that almost sounds like we've taken a step away from a post racial society."
Today, in 2016 with everything going on in our nation, the racial tensions, the divides forming regarding civil service in communities, now is THE time to start talking about race. First things first, racism is still alive in our society, even if you have yet to experience this, recognizing it is key to beginning the conversation. Stanford University's recruitment to expand diversity and excellence program conducted a social psychology experiment that showed that 75% of individuals tested, displayed "implicit prejudice", or a subconscious prejudice, molded by their personal experiences and upbringing. Knowing this, it is important to disregard the vexatious feeling when talking about race and becoming open to have (polite and respectful) conversations with one another. It is necessary to take a step forward and over the idea of becoming a 'post-racial' society, and strive to become a multi-racial society. We need not to be a color blind society. It is important to see everyone for who they truly are and celebrate our esteemed differences instead of becoming blind to them. All 318.9 million of people living in the United States, should not be the same, but deserve to be equal.
This is where our generation comes in, the Millennial generation. The Pew Research Center claims that not only the millennial generation, but older generations view the younger generation to “be more racially tolerant than their elders”. There is no better time than now to work together to create a better future for -not only us- but everyone who comes after. Hopefully in time, our kids, grandkids, even great grandkids will be able to talk about a society that they live in where everyone, regardless of race, is valued, all it takes is a conversation.
