by Chad Seime

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

After being in public school for 12 years I can tell you without hesitation that "yes" racism and oppression still exist. However if you disagree I would urge you to listen in on any Jr. high school, High school or College conversation. You would be appalled at the crudeness and discriminatory words used in such a fluid manner( the n word, slob, white boy, wetback, cracker, etc...). The students have gotten so used to hearing and saying these words, that they've become part of what is considered a normal conversation. Actually more than 90% of the time they're used believe it or not in a casual manner thats not even meant to be racist, however a racial slur is a racial slur it doesn't matter the context in which it is used. Which is why I believe that these words should be made illegal and fines should be given out by the police.

Because until these words are no longer used in any social format no matter where, when, how, even if its two black people calling each other the n word it must be stopped, if it is allowed then the country cannot take a single step forward out of racism until every one knows what these words were initially intended to mean and that they weren't used in a casual conversation, and shouldn't be used in them today, or ever!

Which brings me to my next point, and that is the hear and think or (HAT). This is something that almost everyone is guilty of doing at some point or another. The hear and think is when you hear or see something and think in stereotypes (exp. you see a black man running full speed down the street ) and you think about the TV show cops.

Try this mental exercise.
here is a list of words
say them aloud and visualize them or it
1.crime
2.probation
3.gangs
4.fights
5.drugs
6.vandilis m
7.grafetti
8.drive bys
9.wealthy
10.bail
11.poverty
12.owner of a Ferrari or
BMW
13.Mansion
14.Armed robbery
15.college education

I'd be willing to bet that almost everyone
linked the words with a certain race.

If you did and you're a little disturbed that you did. Then you should do this exercise as much as you possibly can. After a couple of months you should start to notice yourself linking them less and less. because as human beings we seem to have a preconceived opinion of certain people, races, religions, etc....
This exercise should prove to people that racism not only exists today, but it thrives.

The reason I am so passionate about the fight against racism is that my mother, brother and I were a temporary placement foster family. We took black children from 2 weeks to 11 years of age and we lived in a wealthy white community. It is a sad thing when a 9 year old girl cant go to the mailbox at the end of the coldasack, without hearing the n word. and other racial slurs of that nature. since that day i have been against racial discrimination.

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