Ung 1
Stephanie Ung
Joseph Dowd
Human 1BS
13 January 2016
Racism: Past and Present
The history of racism does not have an end. While its beginning was long before anyone could even recall, it never did stop, and it is not certain that it ever will. The start of racism began during the slave period in the 1400s between whites and African Americans. However, racism was not only projected towards blacks, but a variety of other races as well such as Hispanics, Asians, or any colored race. It was a prominent issue for the next 500 years and did not improve until the thirteenth amendment regarding the abolition of slavery. However, although slavery was now prohibited, it did not necessarily establish a country free from racism. Racism still remained a major issue, it just did not coexist with slavery at that time.
Today, the end for racism becomes a bigger and bigger goal for most people. There have been countless protests and petitions to end racism around the world but even still with all of these attempts, there is no sure way to end racism. Racism can emerge from many different aspects. It can be found all over social media, shows and movies on television, and just in everyday life. Even though it is highly frowned upon and less likely to occur in public today, it still surely exists subtly in public and in private matters. Another reason racism has not been fully eliminated is through newer and newer generations. These children may not have parents who teach them about the negativity of racism and may even have parents who encourage them to do it and are for racism because of traditional, Confederate beliefs. In addition, with all of the so-called comedic racist remarks on television, it gives children the belief that racism is okay to do and even funny. Furthermore, a main reason for the existence of racism today is through stereotypes and negative connotations that relate to each race. These stereotypes are so widely known and taught that people actually start to believe these false notions and actually act and speak against these races. The only difference between the past and present today is that it is illegal to treat people differently due to their race or religion.
It is unfortunate to think that we have not fully left racism in the past even after all of these years. Racism has become so common today that people do not realize the danger of it. Violence can be an outcome of it and many people are hurt by it verbally and physically. Despite the efforts many people make everyday in trying to end this terrible issue, it is not likely that it will ever fully end. Racism exists everywhere, whether it was 600 years ago or right now.
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