Becoming United in the Fight Against Discrimination

 Becoming United in the Fight Against Discrimination

By: Jayme Baker

 

In a time when our country seems so divided, we need to put aside our differences so that our country can come together again as one.

Throughout the past year, countless incidents have amplified tensions throughout our country. Now more than ever, we need to become educated so that we can stand up for our neighbors, friends, and family who are experiencing acts of racial discrimination.

What makes our country so great? America differs from other countries because it was built solely on the idea of unity and freedom. Freedom is granted to every American despite their beliefs, their race, or their ethnicity.

Another quality that sets us aside from other countries is our diversity. According to a 2019 census collected by Brookings, approximately 40% of people living in America identify as non-white, non-Hispanic people.

But why is this a good thing? People of different races and ethnicities bring not only new experiences but new cultures and ideas that we can all share and learn from.

Unfortunately, even 155 years after the abolition of slavery, they continue to face acts of racial and ethnic discrimination every day. These same people are our neighbors, friends, and family. Most importantly, they are just as much American as anyone else. 

We need to come together in the fight to end racial discrimination. President Trump relays this idea in an interview with NPR when he states that, “In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy. These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America.” President Trump emphasizes just how crucial it is that we bring an end to racial discrimination.

According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 71% of black Americans and 52% of Hispanics surveyed reported that they have been personally discriminated against because of their race or ethnicity. Similarly, 4 in 10 black Americans and 5 in 10 Hispanics claim that their race or ethnicity has ultimately made their life harder in one way or another. 

So, what can we do? There are endless ways that we can fight discrimination in our own community, but arguably the most important thing that we can do is to become educated. 

The National Network to End Domestic Violence argues that “[o]ne of the first steps to eliminate racial discrimination is learning to recognize and understand your own privilege.” Additionally, privilege is not subjected to only the color of your skin. 

Privilege can occur due to your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality, and many other defining qualities. It occurs in almost every aspect of life, and unfortunately, we often do not realize just how much our privilege affects the people around us.

The article, “White Privilege, White Poverty: Reckoning with Class and Race in America,” by The Hastings Center Report mirrors the thought that failure to not only reflect but talk candidly about white privilege in America is a key threat to the United States.

We must step back and educate ourselves on the privilege that we hold as white people in America. We have an inherent privilege due to the color of our skin and it is important that we use that platform. We can help others educate themselves so that they can become an ally in the fight against racial discrimination. 

A common belief is that through acts of ensuring equality throughout our country, white people have been put at an overall disadvantage in education and the workforce. 

Throughout the past decade, universities have overwhelmingly increased their scholarship opportunities for people of color and differing ethnicities. Similarly, the job industry has increased its practice of affirmative action. With these practices, people who are usually considered ideal candidates are being turned away because their identity does not fit the desired description to allow for a larger diversity.

In reality, it is the acts of racial and ethnic discrimination that portray descriptions of an ideal candidate as someone who is often white. With increased opportunities, people of color and different ethnicities are now given a better chance to succeed in school and the workforce.

Once you are educated and able to identify your privilege, you can join the fight in efforts to help bring an end to racial discrimination. Although, simply educating yourself will not single-handedly bring an end to this crisis. There are still countless ways that you can make a difference. 

Another way that you can make a difference is by starting uncomfortable conversations. When witnessing racist remarks, microaggressions, or blatant acts of discrimination, it is important that you stand up for what is right. By helping others understand what is wrong or offensive about what they said, you are making a difference. No action is too small in the fight against racial discrimination.

There are endless ways that you can make a change within your community. It all starts with you becoming educated.