The Best Way to End Racism is to Stop Talking About It
Morgan Freeman once spoke these powerful words, and they are often extremely misunderstood.
When Morgan made this statement, he didn’t mean for everyone to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that were being committed against black people or other ethnicities. What he meant was to not distinguish between colors and see everyone as part of the same race—the human race. To treat people equally, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
Racism is a deeply complex issue that cannot be solved by simply ignoring it. It requires deep introspection, empathy, and understanding of the systemic issues at play.
Recognizing Racism in Our Country
Recently, I came across an article titled “Joe Biden Returns to South Carolina to try and win back the black vote.” And I believe that in this exact statement, we as a society have already taken steps backward in our progress towards equality and steps that have been taken to end racism.
If we ever saw a news article, that stated “Joe Biden visits Detroit, Michigan, to try to win back the white vote” what would you think? Or how about when he visits San Antonio to try to win back the red or yellow vote? These are extremely racist statements. And they aren’t OK. So why is it ok to say to win back the black vote? It isn’t.
In Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous quote, he said, “I look to a day, when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
To put it simply, people should be described only as people, voters are voters and only when you need to further clarify what a person looks like, should descriptive details then be given and only to clarify in understanding.
I encourage you today to report any racists news articles and posts that promote segregation between races and ethnicities.
Steps to a more Equitable Society
Understanding racism is crucial in addressing it. Meaningful conversations are essential, but they must be accompanied by tangible actions. We need to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards creating a more equitable society.
Education and awareness play a vital role in dismantling racism. By actively seeking knowledge about different cultures and histories, we can challenge our own biases and foster empathy and understanding.
Education
It is through education that we can break down the barriers that perpetuate racism. However, education alone is not enough. We need policy reforms and systemic changes that address the root causes of racism. This includes challenging discriminatory practices, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding institutions accountable for their actions.
Promoting equality and inclusion for everyone should be at the core of our efforts. By celebrating diversity and embracing the richness of different perspectives, we can build a society where everyone feels valued and respected.
In conclusion, ending racism requires both dialogue and action. We must have conversations that challenge our preconceived notions and lead to meaningful change. But we must also go beyond talk and actively work towards creating a more just and equitable world. By combining education, policy reforms, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, we can truly make a difference. Let us strive for a society where the color of our skin holds no significance, and the content of our character is what truly matters.