We're All A Little Bit Racist
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

We're All A Little Bit Racist

Even if you don't think you are.

40
We're All A Little Bit Racist
Disposable Photography

Race has always been a huge issue in our country, and right now is no different. There are plenty of people arguing about cultural appropriation and misrepresentation and whether these things are a concern, but what some of us fail to want to admit is this: We're all a little bit racist.

Take a second to click here to watch a video by Avenue Q before you continue.

Whether you admit it or not, there is absolutely no way for you to not have internal biases against certain groups of people. We all have to think about not being racist.

This is not to say that we are born racist. That's just not the case. Racism is societal and it is institutional. We can't help being a little bit racist because that's what we've always been taught.

Take a second to think about this. When you talk about Hollywood, chances are the topic of who runs the place will come up, and most people will say that rich Jewish people are running the show down there. One bias.

Another example is the agricultural world of the United States of America. When you talk about who are the people that are picking your fruits and vegetables, chances are you're thinking of someone who is of Hispanic descent. Another bias.

Last one. Think about people who are desperately poor, living on less than a dollar a day. Did you picture a poor African child in your head? Because I sure did.

Like the song said, "Everybody's a little bit racist sometimes. Doesn't mean we go around committing hate crimes."

If you think that the argument being made is that you're as bad as white Americans in the 1950s, you're misunderstanding. We as a nation, with no race exempt, need to work on the stereotypes that control the way we view people.

They can be as big as refusing to hire someone based on the color of their skin or as small as saying, "You white people just don't know how to throw a good party."

"Ethnic jokes might be uncouth, but you laugh because they're based on truth. Don't take them as personal attacks. Everyone enjoys them - So relax!"

Avenue Q may be a little more than controversial right now, but some of what they're saying is still relevant.

These biases don't need to be taken personally, unless of course they need to be taken personally. Making an off handed statement about rap is different than someone telling you that they don't want you to date their daughter because of your race.

If someone made a slightly racist comment, by all means call them out on it, but don't start a war over it because chances are you're a little bit racist, too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57515
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37039
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958776
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191169
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments