In a perfect world: A reflection on racism and discrimination
By Michelle Evangelista
EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 25, 2009
In a perfect world, I think that people will be able to live with the fact that there are so many different ethnicities. However, I believe that the stereotypes will live on forever. Discrimination will decrease and minorities will see better opportunities, but the labels of each race will be commonly used forever. I see this to be true because, America has its first African American president, but we still give African Americans the stereotypes anyway. Also, I do think that those that are “bad” ruin it for those who do not fit that classification.
The African American, who is a doctor or lawyer, should not be discriminated because of those who are in prison. People should step aside and make this known, because not every white person is labeled to be “white trash.” In every ethnicity, there are people who are just and those who are unjust. That should be the only labels we give people. Those who are caring, generous and work hard for their goals; as opposed to those who think justice is the “advantageous of the stronger.” In any race we have those who are “slackers,” hurt others and only have their best intentions in life. Every race has its criminals.
Even in my ethnicity, I see good and bad Italian Americans. America has its traditional all around Italians or its “wanna be” Italians. I consider myself part of a traditional Italian family. My mother and grandmother are both very loving and amazing cooks. They do not have an inclining of being close to the Victoria Gotti persona. I also do not see myself as coming across as an Italian princess. I value my money and family and do not tan my body and have long fake finger nails. These comparisons I am making do affect Italians who are off the boat and treasure their background, however, the stereotypes we make if Italians does not affect their ability to learn. They still check the white/non-Hispanic box.
There are so many ethnicities that classify as being white. You can be Italian, Irish, Jewish or even English and still check that box which means so much. Having the ability to be part of the “white class” gives you an upper hand and never restricts you from opportunities. You rarely hear, “I did not get the job because I am Italian.” Minorities on the other hand have to face that part of discrimination. They are not just made fun of by the labels we give them; it affects their education and careers.
The video we watched in class, “A Class Divided,” opened my eyes to how we all can be influenced by the hatred around us. I was so astonished to see how those third graders really discriminated each other over eye color! One minute they were best friends the next minute they were two different groups. They really took the time to divided themselves and see one group better than the other. After the movie I was ashamed at myself for the racial thoughts I have had in the past. As a novice in education, I appreciated this class because I need to learn how to negate those racial assumptions, I think of.
People are people no matter where they come from or what they look like. What I need to become more aware of is that, those who are not “just” must have a background that has affected their ability to be respectful and hard working. It could be their family life or the neighborhood they live in. How we are brought up and the people we surround ourselves influences us. Any race could decide to hang out with the drug dealer on the corner or cross the street and go to school. Race does not have anything to do with the decision that person makes.
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 25, 2009
In a perfect world, I think that people will be able to live with the fact that there are so many different ethnicities. However, I believe that the stereotypes will live on forever. Discrimination will decrease and minorities will see better opportunities, but the labels of each race will be commonly used forever. I see this to be true because, America has its first African American president, but we still give African Americans the stereotypes anyway. Also, I do think that those that are “bad” ruin it for those who do not fit that classification.
The African American, who is a doctor or lawyer, should not be discriminated because of those who are in prison. People should step aside and make this known, because not every white person is labeled to be “white trash.” In every ethnicity, there are people who are just and those who are unjust. That should be the only labels we give people. Those who are caring, generous and work hard for their goals; as opposed to those who think justice is the “advantageous of the stronger.” In any race we have those who are “slackers,” hurt others and only have their best intentions in life. Every race has its criminals.
Even in my ethnicity, I see good and bad Italian Americans. America has its traditional all around Italians or its “wanna be” Italians. I consider myself part of a traditional Italian family. My mother and grandmother are both very loving and amazing cooks. They do not have an inclining of being close to the Victoria Gotti persona. I also do not see myself as coming across as an Italian princess. I value my money and family and do not tan my body and have long fake finger nails. These comparisons I am making do affect Italians who are off the boat and treasure their background, however, the stereotypes we make if Italians does not affect their ability to learn. They still check the white/non-Hispanic box.
There are so many ethnicities that classify as being white. You can be Italian, Irish, Jewish or even English and still check that box which means so much. Having the ability to be part of the “white class” gives you an upper hand and never restricts you from opportunities. You rarely hear, “I did not get the job because I am Italian.” Minorities on the other hand have to face that part of discrimination. They are not just made fun of by the labels we give them; it affects their education and careers.
The video we watched in class, “A Class Divided,” opened my eyes to how we all can be influenced by the hatred around us. I was so astonished to see how those third graders really discriminated each other over eye color! One minute they were best friends the next minute they were two different groups. They really took the time to divided themselves and see one group better than the other. After the movie I was ashamed at myself for the racial thoughts I have had in the past. As a novice in education, I appreciated this class because I need to learn how to negate those racial assumptions, I think of.
People are people no matter where they come from or what they look like. What I need to become more aware of is that, those who are not “just” must have a background that has affected their ability to be respectful and hard working. It could be their family life or the neighborhood they live in. How we are brought up and the people we surround ourselves influences us. Any race could decide to hang out with the drug dealer on the corner or cross the street and go to school. Race does not have anything to do with the decision that person makes.
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