Pre Reading Week 5

Racism definitely still exists today even with the presence of our first African American president. Even though it still is evident in society, I do believe it has changed since say the 1960’s. No there have not been race riots or lynchings and you do not see the Klu Klux Klan ridding around terrorizing people, but I see somewhat more subtle racism. For example, it is clear more than ever that immigrants, not even Latinos just immigrants in general, are not wanted in this country and the obvious “white privilege” which can cause racism. With just these two examples alone and not to mention a handful of others, it is evident that racism still exists despite having a African American president, more so it may have even turned back the clock a little. When Obama was elected, it seemed the people of color and others gained a sense of hope, a feeling of racism vanishing and possible equality for all coming. Quickly though, people were quick to judge about where he came from, his religion, how he was raised etc. Furthermore, when some of his propositions did not go through or pan out the way he wanted, people were quick, again, to name call. With all that said, I think because we have an African American president, people are now less likely to label themselves as racist. Also, people do not want to be known as racist because people of color are now the majority and they know that by banning with them they can keep those “white privileges afloat.

The commentators in the video feel that because Obama won the election that race does not matter anymore and because of the race that he is, people of other nations can stop saying that we are a “racist nation.”  As a counterargument though, another person in the video says, “Any racism is more than overcoming individual bigotry…we must still continue to strive for a more perfect union.” Obama winning the election was by far “a powerful achievement”, but did not kill the racism of this nation.

To me, diversity means people with all different ethnicity and races scattered through places. For example, I feel like San Francisco State has good diversity for the most part. Yes, I believe it is evident that one ethnicity is the majority on campus, but in terms of where people are coming from (background and where they lived) and how they identify themselves, I think SFSU has a lot of variety.  

 

 

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