Racism in the Air - Essay Example

 Racism in the Air All around the world racial, religious and status (financial) discrimination is apparent throughout the past. The economical growth of America has expanded by leaps and bonds and due to which, is praised by a lot of nations. People make it possible for a country to grow or they can become a reason of decline also. Thinking approach of a growing nations is important, in prospering high. They can predict problems and plan to prevail over them. How far is American nation able to reduce racial prejudices? In Washington Times Communities, Bob Siegel writes in “Forbidden Table Talk” about the racial discrimination which has become evident and can be seen visibly, especially in political environment. His article “Herman Cain and Morgan Freeman: Whose comments better fight racism?” describes the difference of opinion about the president of nation held by people of the same race. The deep understating of GOP candidate Herman Cane and the controversial statement of Morgan freeman about Obama and the political ‘Tea Parties’, show how to eradicate or provoke racism. During his interview with CNN on September 23rd 2011, he made a depressing statement about president Obama and the Tea Parties; which are helping to lift up only one side. The responsive statement made by Cain, some how smoothen the fire agitated by Freeman. His personal experience of race less involvement in Tea Party negated the stereotypes and their claims of racism in American politics. Obama has always avoided the racism and continues to do so as he didn’t respond to Freeman’s statement. The author explains that the Government has been against the discrimination from quite some time but individual racist still exists and will be, but America is not a racist country anymore. Otherwise voting for Obama would be impossible from white citizens, who believed in him despite of his color. The president is not only a living example of unprejudiced attitude of American nation and parliament, but also a source of enlightment for many, bringing in fresh feelings of unity. To become a leader one needs to become role model first; to simply put it, practice what one preaches. Living within a society and accepting the differences, makes life easier and leaves a permanent and good effect on others and eventually becomes a source of motivation for others. Author again mentions his expertise about the racial hype created by media celebrities. He mentioned Hella berry and Morgan Freeman both claiming to be exploited by racism in America. To bring change on a large scale, we not only require leaders who portray and possess quality of good, but also individuals from different cultures and races for a prejudice free society. Minimizing the racial issues government has been playing its role and has worked hard to eliminate the causes of discrimination. But it’s high time for individuals to realize of their responsibility, especially the people from media who have huge impact on the audience by their thoughtless words. Our approach has to learn the right direction to deal with such intriguing matters. Author has tried to show us how people of different cultures and sects can leave significant mark on others due to their reactive and proactive approach. Biracial identity: In this article there are two personalities with biracial identities. Barack Obama and Hella Berry, though they have been pronounced black but they both have traces of two races. There’s an urgent need to understand the multiracial background they are coming from and personal experiences. In the intergroup relationship with other social categories and the class becomes evident. Though interracial marriages are common since 1967 they are commonly accepted and frequently occurred. Multiracial backgrounds represent minority group in USA. People who have biracial identities understand the racial discrimination with better understanding. Bicultural Identity: People having multiple cultural identities live in same regions due to various reasons. How do they perceive change in environment and how they make them compatible for both cultures and norms of the society? People from the same country can experience due to change of religion even in the same locality discrimination and sect biases arise. Geographically same nationality holders can belong culturally or religiously to different groups which is considered as a root cause for racial feelings. (Root M.P.P., 1992) The author points out in the article that how people of the same culture outcast the biracial personalities thus keeping a low regard for other races and culture, playing the blame game. Class based Issues: America is run by the ruling class. The authority makes rule and the followers have to abide by them. The standards set by them are approved and weather they cover ethical or moral values or not they are meant to observed. Class or status discrimination flourishes with financial instability in the society. The more labor and industrialist economical positions differ, the more discrimination becomes intense. Author shows us how racial difference can become a source of problem or inspiration. Fame can be achieved by depraving statements but ruins a personal image. Political and Media personalities each are considered as high intellectual personalities. This article shows that prudence is required to maintain the designation and raptor at both ends. Though financial equities are less likely to be seen between them but personal integrity is a main factor in eliminating the class categorization. Feedback: This article covered the thoughtfulness of author who described the hype racism has gained in recent years. The concept of racism can be reduced and put aside if every individual is ready to put behind the past. These prejudices only lead to confusions and detestable feelings for others. Keeping them in the lime light diverts the attention of all and thus a society produces stereotype thinkers. Understanding the views of people who negate or encourage social discrimination due to personal experiences but one needs to act prudently while speaking in public. As the generalized message can only become the reason of more problematic matter. It’s a food for thought, how we condone the efforts for making betterment in our society. Righteousness can be achieved only by evading differences among us all. To follow a leader one must learn to change the racial discriminating feeling instilled in us. Unlearning the superficial ideas about religions, cultures and races can become the first step towards developing a better attitude and approach for humanity. Bibliography: Bayor, R. H. (2003). Race and ethnicity in America: A concise history. New York: Columbia University Press. Root, M. P. P. (1992). Racially mixed people in America. Newbury Park, Calif: Sage Publications Article: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/forbidden-table-talk/2011/oct/6/herman-cain-and-morgan-freeman-whose-comments-bett/ Read More