I am 20 years old and I've lived in a predominantly white area for the majority of my life and I see a lot of Caucasian people as you can imagine. But I don't just see them, I know them. I've built relationships with them. My neighbors and I exchange gifts during holidays. My aunt passed away this summer and two of my neighbors were at the funeral supporting my family. We must get to know other races. When you're defense is "I have black friends", that's awesome, but are they associates or real friends? How often do you hangout with them outside of class or work? What I mean by that is, we have to actually get to know one another for the world to change. Ask me about my culture if you don't understand, and tell me about yours. I want to know.
Let's dive in head first on what I'm about to discuss- Racism on College Campuses must stop. If your response is something along the lines of Why? or What do you mean? Please continue reading.
I am not an animal. That is the defense I have to use in 2016 after watching a live streamed video of a young Caucasian male dressed up as a gorilla, with a brown sack with the confederate flag on it, and bananas in tote saying he is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement at East Tennessee University. Support? Really? I just want to say I am in complete an utter awe of this situation. That's what I'd say... if I was. Unfortunately I am not. That young man pulled that stunt, not out of bravery, but out of the privilege to do so. It's 2016 and black people are still being belittled and taunted by racist people. Even students trying to seriously better themselves and get a college education.That young man, along with a few other young Caucasian college students have recently made very racist approaches to their black classmates. Another student at Belmont University posted a snapchat calling black people the N word insisting we all receive a bullet in our head or to leave America if we don't like it. I'm not here to make these students feel for bad for what they've said and the pain they've caused because they clearly wanted to. I am here to shed light on the fact that racism on college campuses are becoming too much of the norm. To shed light on the fact that this has happened multiple times in less than a month.
In November 2015 students at Mizzou college were terrorized by the KKK on campus.That's right, the KKK. An organization we all know as a group that absolutely hates black people, walking around on a college campus. The campus wasn't shut down, the college or news didn't see it as worthy enough. None of the people involved were held accountable.A teacher sent out an email to her students saying they didn't have to come to class if they didn't feel comfortable. I know racism happens in more places then just college campus' but, America this isn't okay. A teacher shouldn't have to give an option of risking your life on your way to class, or staying in your dorm.
Back to the gentlemen that is the last straw for me with racism on college campuses. Not only was he dressed as a gorilla, toting bananas in a potato sack that had the Confederate flag stamped on it, he also had a rope. A ROPE. Actually a noose. That is terrifying and sickening to see.
As I mentioned in the beginning 'I am not an animal'. I'm just a college student just like you. I face adversity just like you. I want a good life and to be treated with respect just like you. Please remember that the next time you see me and are okay with the fact that some of our fellow classmates assume I must have a tail growing from my back side. When I speak on injustices like this in America, it doesn't come from a place of hate for America. It's not to spread animosity or tension. I'm simply spreading light on hurtful situations that shouldn't still be happening. In hopes of changing at least 1 person's mind, or to at least get someone to look at these injustices in a different perspective.
So why does racism on college campuses need to come to a screeching halt? I could go on all day about how sad and deplorable the whole topic is but I'll simply close with asking you this question, Does it make sense to you that in 2016 I even have to break this down into several paragraphs?
Please understand I don't assume all of my caucasian classmates and friends are prejudice, but one prejudice person, like the young man dressed as a gorilla, makes it unfair for every college student of all races. An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere. That is why these antics must stop. Being that no human is the same, we have to improve when it comes to co-existing. Get to know your classmates on a deeper level than their skin or stereotypes of their race.
