Dominique Peranich
Half Moon Bay, CA
Everyone, whether they admit it or not, is racist. People may not realize this, but due to stereotypes, bias, and where someone may have grown up, they may feel a discomfort or distrust towards other people of a different race or background. For instance, many people when stuck driving on the freeway or highway behind someone super slow tend to claim a couple things. Either that person is an old grandma or grandpa, or they are Asian. Due to stereotypes, many people claim that Asians are “bad drivers”. Saying something like that is just as racist as saying that all white men are rich. Another thing that is not completely true.
Another example of unconscious racism is when people blame their own race for their disability to succeed at some things, or their ability to succeed at some things. For example, if a black man and a white man applied for the same job and the white man’s application might have been better, the black man might say, “It’s because I’m black.” The fact that your black does not guarantee whether you got a job or not, it just means that your resume wasn’t as great as some one else’s. For racism towards oneself at being good at something is quite a common phenomenon. Some people might claim that because they are a certain race, that are better at a certain thing than someone else of another race. Here are some examples: “Because I’m white means that I’ll have a better chance at getting into a four year school.” Not true. There are many other kids, that are not white, that have no trouble getting into a four-year school. “Because I’m black means that I am faster, more coordinated, and I have a better chance a making the basketball team.” Once again, this statement is not completely true. Just because there are many professional black athletes does not mean that, when it comes to sports, blacks are the superior race. There are many other successful athletes that are not black.
There are many more examples of how people are unconsciously racist. For instance, how people automatically assume things about other people because of their race. I’m being completely honest, but whenever I walk by a big group of Mexican boys, I always feel uncomfortable and intimidated by their cluster and appearance, especially if they whistle or start trying to sweet talk me. I know that’s their way of giving compliments, but I feel an uncomfortable vibe and choose to ignore their comments. I’m just being honest.
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