The Influence Of Racism

Race has been the focus of media and politics in the United States. It is a hotbed of protests that lead to riots covered in a media frenzy which has turned it into a widespread epidemic. There is a huge push to love diversity, but do not dare try to be similar because everyone must be unique, not united. In a perfect world, people should be able to embrace their individuality, accept others embracing their individuality, and live together in peace and harmony. However, no matter how much people push to have a diverse and loving society something will not click into place and this something continues to drive society apart. What if it is not purely a race problem? What if it has more to do with economics than racism? Here in America, people

People claim all the time that they are victims of racism, for example, if they are kicked out of a store. Yes, that is racism, but that is not the only influence. People of color protest that they struggle to get into a college because they are of color and poor. That is not racism, that is classism. They are poor, broke, they cannot afford it and it needs to admitted. No one wants to be poor, but blaming their inability to pay for something on racism is not correct. If a student has good grades, plays sports, is involved in school and community, they have, equal opportunities to attend college, no matter what their skin color. What prevents kids from attending college, is not the color of the skin, but the lack of funds available to them due to their socioeconomic class. Thus, the reality facing America is no longer purely racism but also classism. A person’s socioeconomic status determines the level of success they will achieve in today’s America. While there are exceptions to the rule, it is hard work and perspiration, that will make or break a

A person could start out as an indentured servant and work their way up to the upper classes. Today in America, after two hundred plus years of struggle, strife, and growth, over the issue of race it is still a very real problem facing Americans. Due to this history racism remains an easily manipulated social issue. The reality facing most Americans, is not the color of the skin, but their socioeconomic class wherein the divide between the very rich and the very poor is growing. Race and class have become enmeshed with each other and it is unclear to most people where the line is drawn that should separate these two issues. While it is easiest to chalk it up to race being the issue because it appears to be more prevalent, it is remiss to ignore the class issue. In today’s America, it is important to start asking a very simple question this question and keep asking this question: Can a person really start out in poverty and through hard work and perspiration, change their class? The answer to this is the key to beginning to end racism, accept diversity, and live in