Racism in New York City
[poll=12]
I'm currently teaching a bestselling novel to my inner city tenth graders called "The Secret Life of Bees." Yes, it's about bees, but it's also about a white girl growing up in the 1960's who witnesses racial brutality first hand against the African American housekeeper that raised her. Through her relationships with a variety of black women she becomes alerted to racial struggles that are very much in play.
The novel is fictional but the historical realities of the Southern landscape in America, post Civil Rights Act of 1964, are brought beautifully into the text. I've discussed with my students the concept that The Civil Rights Act was merely a step towards equality and was not necessarily enforced by authorities in the necessary manner. I've also asked them to think about whether racism is a reality in New York City. Their responses varied.
Some see the blatant racial inequality present in New York evidenced by the minority of white students that attend public schools. Others are not the least bit phased by racism or the idea of it as they barely interact with races other than their own. (They don't even realize how much racism is at play) It was chilling to hear that a noose was found on the door of a black professor at an Ivy League university.
When I think of Columbia University, I think predominantly white and predominantly upper class and it strikes me as a logical conclusion that this act was perpetrated by someone of that demographic. This was a dramatic example of racism in New York City. The examples I see on a daily basis are less dramatic, but still very real. When the white children of a city predominantly go to Catholic school or private school and the minority children dominate the public school arena, racism is very much in play. We don't need nooses on doors to be reminded of the fact that racism exists and will continue to do as time lags on and ignorance endures.
- Login or register to post comments
- Comments [1]
Comments [1]
I agree - racisism is sooo
I agree - racisism is sooo still here - everywhere... People still make comments that are so incredibly F*cked up... but they think it is ok - below are 2 comments I've heard from people while interacting in regards to work-related things:
1. Did you know she's dating a "black man"
-----my thought - why do you have to refer to someone by color? Why should color matter when we all breathe the same air - why don't people get that?
2. A woman constantly makes comments about her baby - she thinks he will be an amazing basketball player because the kid is 1/2 black and 1/2 white - she makes sure to mention that when she says this about her child.
-----my thought - I thought people became good at things with practice not color...
Outside the rim of the City and in the City I think is the worst - this is where people that are racist think it's ok to use the racisit names and comments because "they grew up in the city" - How does that give them the right to put other people down?
There is such small space between religion, class, color, etc.. in the city.. everyone puts up with each other because they have to... otherwise one would not make it in the city... the difference here in NYC is interesting I think because white people get discriminated against too... and when it happens I think its great and that I deserve it for the color of my skin... but it's really not -
Can't we all just get along? Can we just be nasty to the people that are "asses" and forget what color people are? Go CHALLENGE yourselves people! Push your boundaries and make yourselves learn about other cultures... other people... other things... look around you... what do you see? Do you see injustice? Do you see the kid next door becoming more like their racist family? Can you become an instrument of peace - help a kid that is being treated unfairly? Tell your family that using racisist names and slogans is NOT OK? Can you or have you tried to stop the cycle of mentality that your family has taught you in regards to Race, Religion and Money? I dare you to move into the "bad" neighborhood and help the people that live in that area - help them with their homework - help them paint houses - help them like you would any other neighbor... I dare you to volunteer once a week - show a kid what it means to care about other people.. make a difference.. stop hiding behind your t.v.'s and help change this crap!