It does.

With this election year came a whole whirlwind of emotions, feelings and secrets to say the least. However, a few years before this, racial tensions were on the rise, and the election has only worsened the issues. Along with all these problems, we seem to find out people's true feelings.

For instance, this week several students that were in my graduating class continuously attacked a teacher from our alma mater repeatedly over racism. They took it so far to the point that not only our class, but many classes before us and after us realized that we "low key" went to school with closet racists.

These students were arguing that racism isn't a thing, and that its just not happening. They were saying that African Americans created this and bring it upon themselves. But ultimately, in the end, there argument was that there is no such thing as racism. And to that, they are wrong.

Personally, I believe they haven't experienced it or know someone that has. So for them its out of sight, out of mind. It takes many people in this country to understand something only when the specific event has happened to them. Even if there are numerous stories out there about racism, they will truly never open their eyes.

And in part I think that has to do with where we are from. Being from the Northeast, but New York specifically we pride ourselves on being diverse. We come together with people of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and everything seems ok. In fact, our school district always prided ourselves on our diversity. It was something I truly cherished when I would think back to high school.

But this right here may be the issue. Because we pride ourselves on it, and because it doesn't take place in our town really, we don't see it or recognize it. So when something does happen we don't know how to respond and we deny others and their feelings. But you cannot deny facts.

You cannot deny the African American church in Mississippi that was set on fire, by Trump supporters this past week that was used to intimidate the community. You cannot deny the African American student who had noose put around his neck by his own football team. And you cannot deny the tears, confusions, and trepidation that younger African American children feel when just going to school, or walking down the street.

There is no direct solution to this issue right now that will whole heartedly stop it. But the one thing we can do is admit it. Admit were wrong, admit that it happens, and admit that there needs to be a change.

So here we go, take a deep breath, take the first step, and say it. Say racism exist. Say there needs to be a change. Because once we do, once we all get on the same wave length, we can begin to change. Its not going to be easy, and its not going to be fast, but in the end, our country will be much better off than it is right now.

So let's do it, let's be the generation that ends racism.