03.28.2016
Good read, but unfortunately things I already witness on a daily basis.
America has a pretty hypocritical idea of diversity that excludes many groups of people from our ‘melting pot’. I do agree that the plight of the blacks and #blacklivesmatter deserves all the attention it’s getting (and more) but let’s not forget the injustices the rest of the minorities face in America.
And because I’m in Japan right now, even more interesting is the way that Japan deals with foreigners. Foreigners - especially blonde and blue eyed - are either treated as celebrities here… Or face blatant racism and discrimination when applying for jobs, trying to get apartments, or just out in the street when Japanese people drop hate for no reason at all. At one point, there was a running joke of a white guy on Japanese TV who didn’t understand kanji and screamed “why Japanese people?!” Most of Japan’s families and kids proceeded to yell the same thing at foreigners afterward. And these are the families and kids we share communities with.
So is direct racism worse than micro aggressions? I’m not so sure, because at least in the first instance it’s more obvious when there are injustices and people can protest or retaliate, knowing then and there that it is wrong. The honesty is something you can fight because it is acknowledged.
Many more people had a more difficult time speaking up and publicly calling out the jokes at the Oscars. Is it because they weren’t blatant enough about how racist the jokes were? Or has it been ingrained into society that the narrative is only black and white? I think it’s a culmination of both, but also that micro aggressions aren’t acknowledged to be a problem because it isn’t as outrageous as the rest of the messed up things that happen in America.
But I believe that racism, whether micro aggressions or macro aggressions, should be addressed at all levels. Educate when necessary and don’t let even the little things slide because they end up becoming bigger problems when you let people think it’s okay to discriminate on any level.
Yes, the world has become more sensitive and tiptoeing around being PC. But I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. If something has to be given up for everyone to feel comfortable with themselves and not be offended, I’m willing to put more time into my thoughts and words. It’s a small price to pay for a more accepting tomorrow.
At the same time, however, it shouldn’t just be up to each racial group to fight for themselves. I think all minorities need to stick up for each other and a better America. So maybe not electing Trump would be a good first step? Just a thought. (No, but actually don’t let him get elected.)
I also always find it interesting when people are of mixed race. I know some that feel the pressures of each race two fold, or ones that take advantage of the pros of each separate race and playing to the half of them that is more convenient. Maybe it’s this group of people that really have a chance at starting a conversation about their other halves. Instead of trying to assimilate into American society and capitalize at being ‘white’, they could take the opportunity to inform about their racial narrative. They can be the bridge to fill the gaps between the barrier called race. We can all be a little more proud of where our ethnic histories lie and educating those around us to be more accepting of each others’ identities.
In a world where many strive to be more 'white’, let’s take a step back and realize the importance of just being ourselves. It isn’t a crime to not conform to society. Change it, but loving yourself first.