Can't We All Just Get Along?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Can't We All Just Get Along?

We hear the question often during racial conversations, and so here's my critique on it.

17
Can't We All Just Get Along?
Pixabay

During racial debates, one of the questions that often comes up is "why can't we all just get along?" Both sides seem to want to work towards racial reconciliation, but no one can agree on how to get there. Getting along is a nice thought after all, who wouldn't want that?

Despite the pure intentions behind it, it has always rubbed me, and most likely others, the wrong way. It's clearly a good thing to want to get along, and I'm sure that the backlash it has met with can be confusing, so why is the question so problematic? \

For starters, I feel that the idea itself is shortsighted. That's the end goal, sure, but there are a few other things that we need to do first.

The idea suggests that we simply move on from the whole race issue, or assumes that we already have. While most people would love nothing more than to just move on from it, the issue itself still has yet to actually end. It's not the same as it was in the past, but it shouldn't be that hard to believe that racism has adapted within our society. We don't see many public lynchings, thankfully, but we can't deny that racial hate crimes still happen. Jim Crow laws aren't in practice anymore, but racism still ties in systemically to our society. While it has been stated that "progress" has been made, that "progress" has no substance.

Typically, you hear this question after some activist has spoken out against racism in some way. Their words could've been interpreted as hostile, prompting the popular question. If that's the scenario when the question is usually asked, what result would be expected other than having the activist stop talking about racism? It should be obvious by now that not talking about these problems isn't an option. Hearing someone ask this in response to racial outcry often comes across as asking that they pretend things are fine and that they just stop talking about these uncomfortable issues.

The question itself seems to be directed at the wrong people. Why would you ask the people who claim to be oppressed to change the dynamic of the relationship? It would be like an abuser asking the victim who speaks out against them to stop vilifying them and ask that the victim change themselves to make the relationship more mutually beneficial. In a situation like that, the more appropriate and meaningful action would be to ask that the abuser acknowledge the hurtful things that have happened and change what they do to fix the problem. It's not just the responsibility of the oppressed to incite change. If the condition of the black community is to improve, the white community needs to take action alongside them to lessen the community's hatred.

The question seems to be a poorly veiled attempt to sweep things under the rug and avoid an uncomfortable subject. It's true that not every problem is so complex, but that doesn't mean that these issues have simple solutions. It's like checking off a box on our "Racial Reconciliation List" without actually having anything to show for it. It's not that it's a bad question to ask, but it's just not the right time to ask. The only way I think I can answer that question would be something along the lines of "hopefully someday." Until then, we'll have to buckle down and engage in the uncomfortable, but necessary, discussion about race.

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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39569
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24141
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950175
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

129214
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments