I Shouldn't Have To Defend My Race | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Shouldn't Have To Defend My Race

We are not a color, and I am not my race.

64
I Shouldn't Have To Defend My Race
Fractal Enlightenment

I hate living in a world where the color of our skin matters. I hate that being white automatically inclines me to fall under this concept of being privileged. I hate that this world is making me feel as though I somehow need to consistently defend the white community simply because I'm identified as white. As if being white is what defines the depths of who I am. That every white, black, Hispanic—you name it— person is boxed into the lump-some of stereotypes, perspectives and, ultimately, the mass of a race is defined by the acts of the few.

Yes, I'm white. But I didn't ask to be, nor should I have to defend myself because of it. Yes, you may be black, but you didn't ask to be either nor should you have to defend yourself because of it. And no, I'm not racist. And the fact that I have to say that I'm not racist is something that I hate. The fact that because a disgraceful human being like Trump felt the need to tell the world that he believes illegal Hispanic immigrants are rapists and criminals somehow creates a target on the backs of all white Americans. Why is that? Because one ignorant man who feels his opinions take precedence created an out cry of anger among the vast American population. Which now means that all white American's who disagree with his statements are forced to stand up and defend themselves and defend their race, as if this one man is speaking for the whole "white" community.

The fact that the actions of the police officers, whether justified or unjustified, are establishing an ever growing need for people to take sides and defend race is absolutely horrific and pathetic. This country has absolutely no dignity and no common sense to recognize that there are both good and bad human beings. Not all police officers are respectable, decent human beings. Not all white and black people are respectable, decent human beings. Not all of humanity are respectable, decent human beings. So this world needs to stop attempting to classify the whole races of society by the disgusting actions of the few.

America has been circling this race issue forever, and the past racism and enslavement at the hands of the white community gives justification to that. But one thing that people need to recognize is that we are not living in the past. The population of this country has made serious strides to establish a welcoming, diverse culture. But by no means does that create a purely perfect society. Racism by all means is still alive within America toward every single race, not just the "minorities," and I firmly believe it forever will be an occurrence. As long as people continue to see skin color as a definitive nature between human beings, their will never be an end to the issues among the various people groups.

This does not mean that it's unjustifiable for any race to stand up and fight for what they believe is hindering their equality, safety and ability to flourish within America. But this does mean that society should not point their finger at the whole body of one race as if they are the same simply because of their skin color. This does not mean that people should assume that the thoughts and actions of one makes up the thoughts and actions of all. And this most importantly does not mean that anyone of any race should ever feel the need to defend themselves because of the color of their skin. We are not a color nor should we have to defend such an outrageous concept of "color." I am not my race, and I refuse to continue to identify and defend my race based on the actions of anyone else, other than those actions of my own personal self.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

566550
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

453478
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments