Now, I know this title sounds a bit nerve-jerking due to the obvious reasons; however, hear me out, this is not the article you are expecting.

For some background knowledge, I am an 18-year-old white woman who, in societal terms, has had everything handed to her. And for the longest time, I never saw it as that.

I saw that everyone got everything they needed.

However, I was born and raised in a predominantly white area and had little-to-no knowledge of a different race. In my school, all I could remember was that there were around 90% white kids and a very slim percentage of colored kids —and I never knew that as wrong or questionable.

This was all until my family moved to a more southern state where schools were more integrated and diversified. It came as an utter shock.

In fact, it fascinated me the differences in people that goes far beyond skin color. The difference in hair texture, skin texture, culture, and a plethora of more all hit me in a sudden roar of integration.

It wasn't until I was older and in high school when I realized how segregation and racism consumed some parts of the country.

I remember looking at makeup catalogs and being able to find my shade perfectly, while my best friend at the time couldn't. There was a magnificent array for my skin tone, but only two options that weren't even dark enough for her.

I felt heartbroken for her. This happened more often than anyone could think or imagine and the worse part is, I couldn't understand why this was happening or what to do.

And that is the major point. As a white citizen, I will never fully understand the impact segregation has on the lives of others because it did not necessarily affect me he little and minute segregations stung.

Recently, a scandal regarding a clothing advertisement of a black little boy wearing a sweatshirt quoting "coolest monkey in the jungle" surfaced the internet and immediately caused an uproar of mixed reactions. Some said it was absurd and disgusting, while others deemed it as a mere coincidence.

To be quite honest, when I first saw the ad, I myself did not see any racism behind it whatsoever. However, after reading the history of the critical names thrown at people of color, I completely understood.

Centuries ago, people of color were criticized based on their skin color, being called "savages" and animals with the term "monkey" included. I thought, "no wonder this is causing an uproar in the black community — it's disrespectful and distasteful."

This is what is wrong with today's society. People fail to research and have the knowledge of other cultures before speaking on them.

Of course, to someone who doesn't face the harsh and cruel name calling of a "monkey," I don't understand why this was as big of an issue as it was. We, as white people, don't face that type of stereotypical terms. I can attest to that. I had no idea why it was such a scandal in the first place until I looked deeper into it.

The first step in curing the disease known as racism is acknowledging the wrongdoings — like assuming we are experts in a race other than our own. This generation has the ability to turn things around and end racism.

Take what I learned growing up privileged and white and utilize it to access knowledge on all races. This will help you grasp a better understanding of where to start fixing this society.