Racism has been an issue in America forever. People may claim that "racism does not exist", but that would mean that they are part of the problem and/or have been living under a rock since the day they were born. Racism is very real and very active in millions (if not all) minorities' lives. As a nineteen-year-old, multi-racial woman (black / Native American, and white), I am very aware of this issue because not only have I been experiencing it but some of the people I surround myself with (family, friends, etc.) experience it as well. The fact is, there has not been any type of major improvement with racism in our country in decades. I have asked myself many times "Why is racism such a problem to this day still?", "Why is it that my boyfriend is more likely to be pulled over by a cop than the average white citizen?", "Why is it that my father, a black officer for Home Land Security, is more likely to be followed around a retail store by an employee when out of uniform?". Well, let me attempt to break this topic down. Mind you, I am not an expert. These are just observations I feel need to be discussed more among people my age and younger because it starts with us. The more we talk amongst ourselves and think about our social issues, the more aware we are, and the more likely to resolve injustices are.

Firstly, ignorance.

I am attending a university where the student majority is white (48% ). I love my school and the people who attend but quite frankly, I am horrified by the lack of racial awareness some students have. I have heard of a student who literally stood up and argued with their black history professor about racial situations that "just don't happen" when in fact they do. She chose not only to be ignorant but argue and ignore the problem being discussed. Do. Not. Choose. Ignorance. This helps nobody at all. Educate yourselves. Don't live in a bubble. Be exposed and learn about the social injustice that is racism and don't further contribute to the problem by denying it. Be aware. Awareness is key.

Secondly, Microaggression.

What is Microaggression? Well, apparently it is not important enough to be a recognizable word with my computer because it currently has the red dots underlining it.

Anyways, Microaggression is the "brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color.” (Dec 9, 2013 Buzzfeed).

So basically, anything along the lines of "Wow. You are beautiful for a black woman." or "You're black? You really didn't sound like it on the phone." or "You seem more white than you do black."

The problem with each phrase? Well, the first one suggests that black women are not beautiful. It may be a compliment at first but in reality, it's stating that most black women are not attractive and the person receiving this "compliment" is an exception of the race. The second one suggests that people sound and talk differently based on the pigmentation of their skin tone and the third statement suggests that white and black people actually act differently (Need I point out the racism?).

All these "compliments" are racist. Microaggression is a raging issue that plays into the ignorant comments like the ones I discussed above.

Again mentioning my university, one of my professors brought up microaggression and asked the class who has heard of this term before. I was one of two students. The only reason I knew about it was thanks to my high school leadership seminar teacher (Thanks, Mr. Kantz!). Microaggression is a fairly new term (it's been around for a few years now), so I wasn't surprised that people may not have had the chance to learn about this. Continuing with my original story, my professor showed us a video about situations of microaggression, like the quotes I stated above. Afterward, one student actually denied that this happens to anybody. They said that this video was clearly exaggerated and people are not actually like this in the real world. All I did was raise my hand politely and said "Yes it does. It happens to me all the time. I always get asked where 'my people come from' or told that I 'act more white than black', etc." Their face dropped. They apologized and said they honestly just didn't know this happens.

This is why microaggression needs to be taught. Microaggression is racism and it plays into ignorance.

Thirdly, Privilege.

People need to recognize their privilege. Privilege is an opportunity or a luxury given out to those who don't even think twice about it. Here is an example: My mother (being a white female) is less likely to be questioned by a cop for walking around a neighborhood by herself. This is something many people have the privilege of and they don't even think twice about it. Whereas my father, who is a black officer, could be walking around the same neighborhood by himself and he has to be aware of things such as making sure not to stand in one place for too long, etc, or else he is more likely to be stopped and questioned by police.

This is just one example.

Recognition of one's own privilege is key. Don't be ashamed or anything, just be aware and know you have it. For goodness sakes, I have privilege too. I don't get followed around retail stores like many other citizens do. I am privileged. Privilege is not necessarily a bad thing. Lack of recognition can be.

Again, I am just a nineteen-year-old multi-racial woman who is trying to discuss racism with peers and anybody else for the sake of the future. It needs to be discussed, recognized as an issue, and more importantly, it's awareness needs to be spread.