By Cory L. Young
Racism 101: Part 1
When I sat down to pen this article, I was fiery mad and disgruntled; however, after taking a slow look at the affairs of this campus, I have concluded that the real culprits were not individual people or singular events, but lethargy and denial. We have talked for the last two years about creating a campus environment that respects everyone, but talk is where it usually ends. We have denied the existence of prejudice and racism on this campus and in this country. Some individuals on this campus, as well as in this country, have no idea what racism is. Well, here is our first lesson: Racism 101.
Now, let’s go to class!
“Racism” is defined in the Webster Dictionary as “a belief that one’s own race is superior.”
The base word in “racism” is “race,” which can be defined as “a competition to achieve superiority.”
The word “cheats” means “to practice fraud or deceit; to defraud, swindle.” Yes I am referring to an “–ism!”
I reference the use of these words to illuminate their tendency to sugarcoat the reality that nonwhites face in this country every day.
It mystifies me how such a campus like the University of Louisville has the motto “Dare to be Great,” but will not make the behavioral changes to facilitate this motto. It is very easy to say, “the university should do…” It’s more challenging to say, “I must do this so our university will become more accepting of others.” People make institutions; institutions do not exist in the abstract. RACISM IS WELL-ROOTED IN OUR SOCIETY and, believe it or not, your university experience is a microcosm of what is happening in the real world every day. It is not just a black and white thing either; it includes gays, lesbians, Muslims, Arabs, and anyone else who is perceived as different from the majority. The black and white issue, however, is a major subject in the United States. I understand that many people have “-isms,” whether it be sexism, ageism, anti-Semitism, etc.; however, as a black man, I will speak authoritatively on my personal reality.
My reality is that I have been discriminated against, called to defend my position and justify my very existence on this campus and in this country at large. Some of these same people will tell you that this is, in fact, NOT my reality, but merely a figment of my imagination. This view is an example of how ingrained or “well-rooted” racism and the denial of racism are.
The first step in becoming a non-racist is to admit that you have racist tendencies. We all have them, including myself, because of our culture and history in the United States.
Dialogue is what is needed in these times, not division or separation. I challenge everyone who is interested in the topics and challenges this university has to start participating in the forums that the university has established. The new president, Dr. Ramsey, has held diversity forums once a month this whole semester! Where were you?
The next forum will be on December 9, 2002, at 4 p.m. in the Allen Courtroom of the Brandeis Law School.
If you want your voice heard on any subject that concerns the university atmosphere, it is time to show up! Quit talking and start walking. As someone once said, “Things will not get better until I get better.” We have to become the kind of people we want to see on this campus. If we are truly concerned, and are tired of bigotry, racism, sexism and other “-isms,” the people, not the institution, need to do something about it.
Next week, I will discuss white privilege and how it can be combatted. All those whites that espouse to be sympathetic to the cause, and especially those who don’t, you will learn how to get involved. IF YOU’RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT, YOU MUST BE ABOUT IT!
Class dismissed…. for now!
