Frankly, I'm not one for writing about things that matter to me. Being a junior in a suburban high school, what I usually write is research papers on classical literature or responses to historical speeches. But it is a very rare occasion that I find something that I am so passionate about that I can also put into words. This is actually the first. That topic is the conflict between racism and racial pride. As a millennial, I feel I have new insight that maybe the generations before mine have not noticed, or maybe they have. Nevertheless, I'd like to dissect the topic to not only let others see and learn from my point of view but to also allow myself to explore my own opinion. Now I know most do not care about one's opinion but I feel a collective group of personal opinions will help gain general knowledge on the topic. So, back from my digression, these are my general opinions on the topic.
Racism has been a leading current topic for centuries. Now, from my perspective government has tried to make racism nonexistent. Through social and political assimilation all races, not just black and white, have been melted into one culture. But, there are still aspects of culture by race in America. But, should race even be an aspect of culture? Some people born and raised in Africa are white but no one would acknowledge them as African. The race is simply the color of one's skin, and maybe an indicator of their ancestors. One's race should not be an indicator of what culture they were raised in and what culture they celebrate. I think most would agree. Honestly, why is race even a factor in anything? Colleges ask about race to make their schools less segregated but wouldn't acknowledge race in the first place be more racist than basing it purely on the academic standard of that particular school? There is such a blurry line for me when it comes to racism, I understand the extreme part of it but I think acknowledging it at all is racist. I'm sure by me even saying I'm from a suburban neighborhood put an image into your head about who I am, whether it be in a negative connotation or not. Speaking of negative, would something be racist if it isn't negative. Of course not, but at the same time when you're celebrate one race are you demoting the others? When a mother gives one child more attention than the others, the others feel neglected. But, shouldn't one be proud of their own race? Maybe this goes back to the argument about culture and race. One should be proud of where they come from regardless of their race. But what about black history month? That's purely based on race. Why do we celebrate it in the first place? It's a month-long tradition that celebrates people of the African diaspora. Black history month, as defined by History.com is, "an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history." Maybe I'm being ignorant because I'm a white 16-year-old, never been exposed to high amounts of racism, or maybe that's racist in itself. Some may say, "What right do you have in saying there should be no racial pride." But, what right do any of us have to do anything. I think the main point I am trying to get across is that race should not be observed. We are all people, we all bleed the same color. But, shouldn't one be proud of who they are? Well, really? There is so much to a person's heritage besides their race that could be celebrated. All people have their own culture to celebrate no matter their skin color.
But, I have a gnawing feeling that I'm being disrespectful to all people who have suffered in the past purely based off the color of their skin. I am, by no means, demoting the pain they felt that I can't even imagine. They must be respected in every way possible because their struggle because of something they couldn't control was great. There must've been days where some of the African-American slaves wished they weren't black, so people now are making up for that by saying I am proud to be black. Which makes total sense to me. This is why, I guess, I'm in an internal struggle. I'd like to expand my knowledge and seek other opinions on the topic because I feel like I know so little but I would like to know so much more about what others think. That is why I'm submitting this with no editing no research. I hope my raw ideas on this topic will grow.
I'm submitting this essay to Buzzfeed because I feel they take opinions honestly and dissect them. The younger generation has an abundance of opinions they don't know how to connect and are afraid to share. I'm not sure if this is the right place to share but I'm hoping I can get my feelings out there for others to see in a non-threatening or disrespectful way. If course I'm not looking for money, just a response to my ideas that I'm too scared to say out loud for fear of being misunderstood.
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