While reading the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee I began to ponder an interesting question. Has racism gotten worse, gotten better or stayed the same over the years?
It is true that it is illegal to own other people, so there are no more slaves. In that respect racism has gotten better. People are no longer prohibited from eating anywhere they want, attending any event, or going to school based on their skin color. So yes racism has improved.
That doesn’t mean that racism is totally gone. For example, in the workplace there are still many people discriminated against because of the color of their skin. There are still many cases in society where it has been argued in courts that a white got the job over a black when the black person was more highly qualified. Reports often occur in the news in which non Caucasian people are targeted in crimes just because of their skin color, like Tom Robinson in the story. Our country did elect a black President which shows racism is not as prevalent as in the past. Considering it took two hundred years to reach that point, it will probably take a few hundred more for racism to be nonexistent.
Although racism in this century includes more than just white and black, I don’t think anyone would argue that racism has not improved. I believe everyone would also agree that there is still work to be done.
Book: To Kill A Mockingbird
Charisma is what got Obama elected, not his skin color.
ReplyDeleteThat could be a good point, Kali, but I'd have to disagree with that. Did people elect Obama completely because of his charisma, or did they do it just because they thought it'd be cool to finally have a black president? Yes, I know that you can't justify for the "stupidity" of others, but I still don't think that Obama was picked ONLY bacause of his skills in politics.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people are still judged by their skin color. I also think that people are judged by their weight, they way they talk, and the number of friends they have, especially in high school. You have to be perfect in the "popular" people's eyes in order to have a decent social life. Race isn't the only thing you have to watch out for, but you made a very good point. Plus, all that other stuff wasn't mentioned in "To Kill A Mockingbird".
ReplyDelete@Emily Charisma doesn't equal politics. We've always elected the guy who talks better. Senior Bush? Well, Michael Dukakis was just so dull in comparison. Jimmy Carter isn't favoured in Civics classes, but who was more funny than Ford? And it's not that you can't defend poorly reasoned viewpoints, it's just that it makes you seem silly.
ReplyDeleteIt is true, about some people simply electing candidates because of, say, skin color. Or gender. Or religious views. Charisma has a stronger part in it, though, along with image. The majority is going to be more attracted to a young, funny male than an aged, serious woman.
@Ariel Of course. Not to say that judgement is a bad thing. How do you think you decided to become friends with your current friends? Through a series of judgements, based off of their actions, character, looks (don't deny it), and how their friendship would benefit you personally (both emotionally and in regards to status).
Do you like your social life? Is it satisfactory for the most part? Yes, yes? Well, I guess you don't have to be "perfect in the popular people's eyes" to have what you want. Try logic.