Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Can We Walk in Peace?
Walking down the sidewalk of Franklin Street, one of my friends was returning to the UNC campus from The Campus Barber. As he walked toward the bus stop, awaiting the U Campus Shuttle, three white boys - wearing Carolina Blue - followed him, and they taunted his name - they called him Nigger. Afraid, he ignored them and continued to walk toward the bus stop. How could this act of racism be present in a school full of diversity. UNC Chapel Hill is suppose to be one of the most diverse campuses in North Carolina; yet, many of the people that attend this school possess ideology of racism. My ancestors didn't die for nothing. They were not whipped and lynched for a pointless cause. Their blood that gushed from their wounds did not drip in vain. I demand JUSTICE. Can we as African Americans not walk in peace?
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This is interesting and rather frustrating to know people still think that it is appropriate to call someone out of their name, all the more call them “nigger”. What makes these people think that they have the right to call African Americans a name that is so degrading and demeaning? Not only does it bother me that someone in a school as diverse as Carolina seems to project itself, stoop to such grounds and call someone by that name, but it bothers me that at this day and time, people still seem to have ignorant ways about them. I’m certainly confused. Do these white boys, Carolina students or not, think that they are on some sort of higher ground because of the color of their skin? Or are they intimidated that someone of a darker skin color is as educated as they are to be accepted into a school as prestigious as Carolina? Because trust me not all the black students or any other minority is here just to fill a quota. Other questions like “did they think that it was funny to say this?”, or “did they think that they were cool by calling this African American out of his name?” rush into mind. To me personally, I think that it is a shame. The youth of America today still seem to instill prejudice and hatred in their hearts and minds, and have a character that one is better than another. The youth that will one day become the next president or brain doctors, still do not believe in inequality among people. They still don’t believe that as we all are here at this school to better ourselves, they most call someone out of their name to bring them down so low as to walk on them. So not only can I not come up with any answer to question can we walk in peace, I’d also puzzle myself with the question of can this world that I live in ever reach a point of equality without looking at the color of another person’s skin.
ReplyDeleteWow... I would expect better from Carolina students, and it surprises me that this happened here. My high school was about 40-45% African American and 10% other minorities and people just didn't make racist comments. The students did naturally segregate the halls and cafeteria though. At my school most of the students were raised to be accepting of all people and not to be racist. However, racism did exist in other schools in Rowan County. The "redneck" schools with extremely low diversity were full of students whose parents were racist and taught them to be racist. These people did not want African Americans in their community so they did their best to make them feel unwelcome. I always thought of these racist people as ignorant and not very smart, but suprisingly many got accepted to great schools. It is disappointing that educated people continue to be racist and cruel to minorities, especially those who are noticeable due to a visible characteristic such as dark skin or a head covering.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that any minorites can walk in peace, without a few people still with the mindset of racism. Being Native American, UNC was a culture shock for me too. My high school in Robeson County was predominately Native American, and coming to a university like UNC that prides itself on diversity, it shocks me that an incident would occur like this one. And anyway if the three boys knew any history about this university, they would realize that slaves were the ones that built this university. If it was not for the so-called "Niggers," they would not have a university to attend. Pure ignorance is what I call it. That would be the same if I was being called a "Savage." And was not it weeks ago, that the dth stated that this had been the most diverse class that has entered UNC. So my point is, we as minorities are here and we refuse to leave. Make all the racist comments you want to. We refuse to let them bring us down. I and many other minorites are here at this university for an education and we do not have time child-like comments like "Nigger." So to all the racists, seriously grow up.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked to hear that such racism exists at Carolina. It's quite unfortunate that such events like this happen at such a diverse school. I came from a very diverse high school, much like Carolina, and I would've never expected this. It's outright sad that some people behave in this manner. Right from elementary school, we've learned the golden rule- treat others the way you want to be treated. It might seem a bit corny, but it's true. So there is absolutely no reason to treat anyone here poorly. All students here at Carolina deserve to be treated with respect and feel like they are at home, because that is what Carolina is supposed to be to us, home. We all have a bright future, otherwise we wouldn't be here. Every student here as just as much right to be here as any other student. If someone feels like they are superior because of their race, then they don't need to be here, because that is not the foundation Carolina is built on. UNC is supposed to be one of the most diverse universities, so if we can't show our fellow classmates that we can live harmoniously in a diverse environment, then how can we show this to others?
ReplyDeleteI agree that there should not be any racism on this [UNC] campus especially with the fact that it is so diverse. It saddens me that I cannot live in a world where people, my people, are still tortured. I sometimes wonder how can caucasians have the nerve to call someone of darker skin such a terrible word, when they are aware that we may be filled with anger and could probably knocked them out for saying such a bad thing. If it had happen to me I would go crazy and would want to take actions that will lead to jail. I also know that it would not be worth it because my ancestors fought for my freedom, education, and etc. and I have all of those things!
ReplyDeleteI had not realized how bad this problem was until a few days ago when I was talking to my friend about going to this party on Friday. When he told me that I needed a reality check, I didnt quite understand at first. However, now I see that they do not feel like they are good enough to go to places like these. It is not just them. Other people like to pretend they are superior than the rest, making the rest feel as if they do not belong.
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