by Caitlyn Jones

Created on: April 05, 2009

What is racism? Is racism still around? Why? So many questions, not enough answers.

Racism: (n) a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others. (as defined by dictionary.com)

Dictionaries are so insensitive. Really, does the above definition sound like racism or a document in legislation? No matter how badly we wish we could, we cannot just let loose some defensive linemen to tackle the problem. It is a psychological issue that is often taught to children through older generations in the family, and not a conclusion they came up with on their own. Whatever happened to thinking for yourself?

"Inherent differences?" In layman's terms, it all boils down to skin color. Whites and blacks most associated with racism, but there are so many other ethnicities: Mexican, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, the list goes on and on. By looking at someone's skin, assumptions are made based on age old stereotypes. This is not something programmed in our genes, it is not impossible to cure. Our society is simply made up of stubborn mules. Times have changed but people haven't. Racism is like the black plague (no reference to color intended). It doesn't just go away on its own. But where did the first aid kit go to heal societal prejudice?

Racism is just swept under the rug most of the time. No one wants to deal with it even though we see it in everyday life. It's infectious - as unseen as AIDS: it's avoidable yet some people refuse to take any precautions. When will we find a cure? Who knows at the rate we are going. Can't we all just get along? Put bluntly the answer is no. There are too many thick headed people in this world that have never been able to think for themselves, and that is a real shame. Intolerance should be shown towards the pigheaded, bigoted creatures that dare to call themselves human; not the ones, no matter what their race, who show compassion for others of every color.

Instead of looking at people based on race, we should look at people like an Oreo; the most important thing is what's on the inside. There's two options: there is something worth finding, or you just got gypped out of the best part of your cookie. Either way, what's on the outside doesn't matter.

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