Age of Discrimination

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be here today to discuss with you an issue that has been around for centuries. An article was published in the Ms. Magazine recently about a young man Brent Staples who was singled out as different because of the color of his skin like many others around the world. As you can see this story hits home to many individuals as well as myself because I am of color too. I would like to enlighten you today on this topic of prejudicial outlook on racial discrimination. For black people, experience holds a dear school, and the knowledge they acquire is based largely on the experience of living while black in a society that is dominated by non-black people. While American society is often ideologically characterized as privileging equal opportunity, the everyday reality of the masses of black people is that of being peculiarly subordinate in almost every way, but this is especially true when they venture into essentially white spaces. So, ask yourself why should people of color be treated differently? We self-question our self because of what other people think of our race. We are looked at as murderers, dangerous criminals, muggers and much more.

Imagine living life every day in fear knowing that everywhere you go, everything you do is being observed and judged by people. Imagine walking to a convenience store or a clothing store and having someone watch your every movement thinking you're going to steal an item. Imagine being mocked and disliked at your school because your different from other people. No one likes to be left out, but then why do we judge? Why do you pass the torch of unforgiving world? Why do you set a fire of hatred? Why do we discriminate? Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there is always somebody different from you. Many of us focus on differences and not on similarities of other people. Racial discrimination is everywhere. In general, it's a belief that a certain race or ethnicity is inferior or superior to others. Racial discrimination involves ethnic origin, religion or belief. The first major point I have is that all people are created equal. In all holy books, it is mentioned that all people are created equal, so who are we to judge? The belief that everyone is created equally seems to not resist anymore. That's why I am here before you to make you understand that discrimination against African Americans is an immoral act. Discrimination is experienced across a range and it may occur in a way by excluding people socially or by being indifferent to their views and experiences. It may take the form of stereotyping and prejudice of different types of groups in our community; in name calling, taunting or insults; or in actively and directly excluding or discriminating against people from services on opportunities.

In its most serious appearance, racial discrimination is demonstrated in behaviors and activities that embody hate, abuse and violence- particularly experienced by groups who are visibly different because of their cultural or religious dress, their skin color or their physical appearance. For centuries, the issue of racial discrimination has been haunting millions of people wide world. Almost everywhere you turn; you see some form of discrimination. Research shows that its effect is greater on people that care about doing well. They also must be put into a situation where their skills or abilities might be in question, either in school, at work, or in public places. Being discriminated can change someone's world. Emotional trauma and mental health effects from discrimination and stereotyping result in the most significant harm to an individual. There are other damages, such as loss of job or promotional opportunities, loss pay for days not worked, and damage to reputation. The people that discriminate or stereotype usually choose victims on whom to take out their frustration and anger. They choose those who are seen weaker or inferior to themselves.

An important figure of color once quoted, There is not a liberal America and conservative America- there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and a Latino America and Asian America- there's the United States. Also, there were other great leaders and speakers before him like Eleanor Roosevelt, We have never been willing to face this problem, to line it up with the basic underlying beliefs of Democracy , and One of the main destroyers of freedom is out attitude towards the colored race. Including John F. Kennedy's quote, This nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds??¦ on the principle that all men were created equal.
Surprisingly, some research indicates a significant increase in racial discrimination over recent years. It's time for us to make a way. We can start in joining organizations and prompting positive relations. But there is a challenge in this for all of us. We share a common humanity, and we all have a role in respecting the right of all to enjoy it equally, with dignity and with the same opportunities to thrive. Thank you all for listening and everyone have a blessed day.

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