Are we there yet?
Here are more excerpts from the letters students of Deborah Lambert's English class at Eastern Technical High School wrote in response to my September 16 column, “Racism May Be Waning, But Are We There Yet?"
I read the article, "Racism may be waning, but are we there yet?" by Dan Rodricks. I wanted to respond to this question by saying we are getting there, and that I'm a a member of the first "colorblind" generation that’s going to lead the nation in becoming prejudice-free. If you look into society now, and how it was years ago, treatment of other racial groups has become better, and prejudice is becoming less of an issue.. . . In the article, Rodricks points out that there has been profound change in the forty years since the civil rights movement and Obama is the latest sign of it. I strongly agree with this because years ago, especially during the civil rights movement, a black person would never have been a presidential candidate. Though he hasn't been voted yet for president, elections are only a few [weeks] away, and he actually has a chance of winning. Whether he wins or not, Obama proves that the U.S is making progress and that more people are becoming less prejudice. . . . Personally, I want everyone to be treated equally, and that's why I believe that it is more than my choice to speak out against prejudice in a tactful way, diplomatic way; it is my responsibility to thwart its presence and growth. A time when I spoke against prejudice was when Hillary Clinton was running for president. I was extremely proud that with her running, she could be the first female president ever in the United States. During this time my mom was saying that there's no way a woman can lead a nation. To her perspective; men are stronger than women. I was very surprised to hear this. I immediately responded to this by telling her that a woman can do as good a job as a president as a man. A woman can handle that position as good or bad as a man can. Listening to my point of view, she seemed still reluctant to vote for a woman to be president, but she stopped opposing it so strongly. . . . Prejudice still exists but only a small portion of the society is prejudiced. The way society is now is way better than how it was years ago, proving that we are moving forward, and that we are on our way on being prejudice-free.
Nelly Waribe
Parkville
In a society where mixed races are becoming the norm, you would like think we are close to the riddance of racism. The sad reality is that racism, bigotry and prejudice are just as alive today as there were numerous years ago. Prejudice, as well as bigotry, is a component of daily life. Even in my eleventh grade class, the majority of students feel as though it is not their responsibility to thwart prejudice behavior. . . “When it is finally ours…this man shall be remembered.” This quote is from Robert Hayden’s poem entitled “Frederick Douglass.” In it, he explains that when freedom is achieved, people will flesh out Douglass’ dream of equality and the eradication of prejudice. It is sad to say that this isn’t true. As Americans, we are free, but only literally. We’re still enslaved in hatred and jealously that was taught to our ancestors so long ago.
Paige Fasoore
Middle River
I do believe that we are there, and we are members of the first “colorblind generation”. After all, how often have you seen an African-American running for the presidency? In the article, “Racism May Be Waning, But Are We There Yet?” by Dan Rodricks, there was a significant quote that stood out to me: “They’ve made Will Smith the top-rated, highest paid movie star and Tiger Woods one of the most popular sports figures of their time.” I never thought of it that way before. Both of these men are idols in Americans’ eyes. They are admired by all races. Back when slavery was going on these two men wouldn’t have even received a chance. However, in society today all people are given equal opportunities and rights. . . . I also read a quote from Robert Hayden’s poem called, “Fredrick Douglass” that truly made me sit back and think. Hayden stated, “…visioning a world where none is lonely, none haunted.” After I read the poem I felt a sense of gloom and despair. During the time of slavery people were whipped, beaten and sometimes even killed because of their skin color. Today we do not let anyone feel lonely or haunted. We provide assistance for all people. We also have civil right laws banning any kind of discrimination or acts of prejudice. . . . We, as Americans, outlawed unequal treatment a long time ago. However, it is in this day and age where it’s finally coming to an end. Laws are being put down and put into action! Help is being provided for all people of all races! The youth is carrying out this plan of a better, more united nation! All people have the option of being successful and carrying out any dream imaginable!
Sabrina Stone
Baltimore
Dan Rodricks stated that this generation is the first colorblind generation; however, I don’t completely agree. While our generation is the most colorblind generation to date, we are still prejudiced through people at school, work place, and our ignorance. There is so much diversity when it comes to people in schools, jobs, and other public places, though we still have a lot of issues that contribute to prejudice. . . . Stopping prejudice comes from the initiative that people take. There is one perspective that says it would be nice to “go out of our way to stop prejudice, but it’s not our responsibility.” Someone compared it to picking up paper on the floor – sure, it’d be a nice thing to do, but we don’t have to do it. On the other side, people said that as humans it’s our duty. We took a vote in class, and a majority of students said that it is not our responsibility. Though I do agree with that, if everyone decides not to stop prejudice, it won’t help. . . . We need to realize that, though it may not be our responsibility, we should take the initiative to “pick up that piece of paper.” People also need to be more accepting. We have to live in the same world, so we should work on being that first colorblind generation and get along.
Stacey Linz
Rosedale
In response to your article “Racism May Be Waning, But Are We There Yet?,” I believe that we are there. I believe we are there because we have advanced so much over the years. The world is changing and becoming more ethnically diverse . . . Because of equal rights everyone in the United States has the right to vote and the right to hold a position in the government. For example, in the 2008 presidential [primaries] an African-American man and a woman ran for the Democratic nomination. This shows the change and the beginning of a colorblind society because before this election all of the nominees were white males. Also, in the 1800s, Frederick Douglass’ time, this would never have been possible because in the past only white men who owned land could vote or run for a public office. Also, I learned in history that even after slavery was ended in the United States the freed slaves still did not have the right to vote, and when they finally gained that right to vote they had to pass a test before they were allowed to vote. This contrasts to the current day situation because any citizen over the age of 18 may vote, and any natural born citizen over the age of 35 may run for president. This has a big impact on the ability for everyone to truly be equal politically and socially equal. Also, it gives everyone the equal opportunity to become a leader in their community.
With the worlds changing and technology, there is also a bigger ethnical diversity in many areas across the country. For example, with immigration from more than Europe, there are now people from Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East living in the United States. This ethnical diversity makes people feel worse about racist thoughts and often stop thinking them because of the bigots’ befriending people of other races . . . Also, there can be penalties in the work place for saying something racist similar to punishments for sexual harassment. These punishments can have a big impact on lowering racism and prejudiced thoughts in the workplace.
Our generation is the first colorblind generation because of everyone having equal rights and opportunities and everyone respects that. The fact that the United States is made up of mostly immigrants from all around the world helps to show this. Also, the fact that we had an African-American be nominated to be a presidential candidate displays in another way that we are the first colorblind generation.
Steve Powell
Dundalk
I do not feel that we are there yet. Racism is still very strong and very common within my generation. I do not think that there will ever be a truly colorblind generation because prejudice has been a part of life all throughout the history of the world. . . I do feel that we are the most colorblind generation to date. . . . In class we were asked the question, “Where do you think prejudice comes from?” I responded saying that prejudice is a behavior or way that is learned. Most people have learned to be prejudice because of their parents and because of this, prejudice will just continue to be passed on from generation to generation . . . I do agree that this is the dawn of a new era and having an African-American president will be a step in the direction toward the colorblind nation because it will make people see things in a different light. Having an African American president will make people treat African Americans with respect and admiration.
We are very distant from a colorblind nation, but through time we may get closer to achieving that goal. However, no matter how much time passes, there will still be bigots in the world that will try to influence people into believing the same as they do.
Amanda Fuller
Essex, MD
In my opinion, I think my generation is more bigoted and they look at color more. . . Many people look at race before they look at anything else. For example, some people think that if you listen to rap or R&B, then you have to be black or you want to be black. But if you listen to country, pop, or rock & roll then you have to be white. Then you have people who have this thought that certain people act black or white. I never understood that. Like how do you act black or white? Many of my friends want Barack Obama to win the election because he is black. I mean that’s good and all but most of them don’t know anything about what he’s going to do for the United States. He could be a horrible president, they don’t know that. The point is people look at color more than anything else in today’s society.
Bianca Genius
Baltimore
I help every person, as much as possible, and don’t see the color of their skin first then determine how they should be helped. . . . The first day I attended pre-school, there was a diverse classroom. Throughout my school career, the diverse classroom hasn’t changed. So I’ve seen classmates and friends, not the color of their skin. I grew up in a diverse community, and with my mother teaching me to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. Not only having the influence of school, but also having the influence from my mother to treat everyone equally. . . . I do believe change is coming in the future with the first “colorblind generation” and that my generation is the start of a “colorblind” country because of the diverse schooling system and communities. If more people would make it a choice of theirs to not speak or act in a prejudice way, then that will show other people that they can do it and it can be done.
Caitlin Engel
Baltimore
I, as a United States citizen, believe that we are truly there. In the Society today, I feel we are looking past the color of skin to more useful aspects about individuals. In today’s society, many African-Americans are given the same amount of rights as whites. This is the first year we have an African-American running for president. Many citizens may not like the fact that an African-American is running for president but there is nothing they can do to stop it now. In your article, it was, “They’ve made Will Smith the top-rated, highest paid movie star and Tiger Woods one of the most popular sports figures of their time.” This expresses how African-Americans can be just as successful as whites -- that color is not being looked at but how the person performs at what they do best is what’s being looked at. . . . We have in my eyes become a “colorblind” generation.
Caitlin Wolford
Baltimore
My generation has allowed prejudicial feelings to subside and has allowed us to grow and live together, although there is always, in my opinion, a duty to change the prejudiced and biased feelings that are still alive within the people around us. . . . I accept prejudice as a challenge of our time and believe it is up to us. This world is in our hands; freedom is in our hands.
Chelsea Mealey
Chase
A lot of kids and young adults my age are not prejudiced. Personally, when I am friends with someone, I judge them by their personality and character. Even though the quote “It’s what’s on the inside that counts,’ is used a lot, it is very true. The people and kids in my generation are a part of this colorblind society. Although I think we will never reach a full colorblind world, it is nice to know that people care about this subject so much and take it as their personal duty. . . . Even though there will always be some sort of prejudice being committed throughout the world, I believe that it can be limited through the voice of our people. Although I don’t believe we are there yet, I think we are getting closer to reaching our goal.
Chris Gordon
Overlea
In my opinion, I think we are beyond racism and are really close to complete tolerance of different races coming together in one nation. Most of the racists are older and grew up when blacks didn’t have equal rights; so they automatically think it should stay that way no matter what happens. People from other races are just as likely to succeed as whites are, and the racists have to get used to that and adapt. . . Another reason I think racism isn’t going to exist for much longer is because of all the powerful blacks that exist in our country. If Barack Obama wins the presidential election it will signify that most racism is falling off because [it would say] that most of the people in the United Sates would want a African-American to be the most powerful person in the world. . . The younger generations coming up are much smarter than the previous generations. The kids are much more educated and are being taught to not support racism.
Jake Mardaga
Essex
I am colorblind and many of my friends are colorblind -- at least better than we were in the past where whites and blacks couldn’t even go to the same school. My generation is becoming colorblind but is not there yet. We still have things to fix like the KKK or hate crime. . . But we have made steps to achieve this goal. It’s only a matter of time now. Jay Dean
Middle River
I strongly believe that many kids my age aren’t racist. We have grown up with much more diversity than our parents did. Our generation is a lot more mixed than the previous generations. Seeing interracial couples is surely not abnormal to us, and we accept it.
Megan Hays
Essex
I don’t think just because one little racial event happens, where blacks are creating another first for them, it can be at all related to a colorblind nation. I do not agree at all with statements made by Mr. Rodricks when he proclaims that this generation is the first colorblind nation ever. I do believe that we are on our way but we have not reached complete colorblindness.
James Emala
