Why do we have to talk about racism?
Is it fair that certain people are more likely to fall victim to police brutality? Is it fair that some people are more likely to be arrested because their skin has more pigment? Is it fair that society views black men and women as inferior? No, it’s not fair. Black people shouldn’t be scared when they see a police officer and it shouldn’t be the norm for black parents to have to teach their children what to do if they’re arrested - so why is it?
The harrowing death of George Floyd has given rise to society taking massive actions against the unjust treatment of black people. In our 21st century world, we must leave any prejudices behind. Maybe we’re finally creating a long-overdue change in society; maybe George Floyd’s death has opened our eyes to the realities of the brutality that some people are forced to experience. But it shouldn’t be a taboo to talk about race and, no matter how uncomfortable it is, we need to educate ourselves. We need to learn from the past from the present or these problems will only repeat themselves.
It’s no secret that entertainment also shys away from racial diversity; books, films and TV programs often underrepresent people who aren’t white. However, there is usually at least one character of a different race, unfortunately, these characters are more often than not shoehorned into the plot and created without well-written, individual characteristics - which isn’t outright racist, but it leaves those from ethnic minorities lacking accurate representation. This further enforces the false ideology of white supremacy.
Consequently, these depictions of certain races may increase unintentional racism and cause people to treat others differently, as the mainstream media heavily influences our outlook on the world. For example, reporting of crime often shows a biased perception, suggesting that criminality is associated disproportionately with black people - particularly young black men - and forcing them into a negative spotlight. The media is a pivotal aspect of our lives, we don’t need to change that, we just need to change how it’s used.
However, as people start taking action, society should begin to improve. But, this still isn’t enough; we need complete equality for all races and full acceptance for everyone and for the topic of race not to be frowned upon and hidden: once black lives matter, all lives will matter, because right now they don’t.
By Amelie Reeves
The harrowing death of George Floyd has given rise to society taking massive actions against the unjust treatment of black people. In our 21st century world, we must leave any prejudices behind. Maybe we’re finally creating a long-overdue change in society; maybe George Floyd’s death has opened our eyes to the realities of the brutality that some people are forced to experience. But it shouldn’t be a taboo to talk about race and, no matter how uncomfortable it is, we need to educate ourselves. We need to learn from the past from the present or these problems will only repeat themselves.
It’s no secret that entertainment also shys away from racial diversity; books, films and TV programs often underrepresent people who aren’t white. However, there is usually at least one character of a different race, unfortunately, these characters are more often than not shoehorned into the plot and created without well-written, individual characteristics - which isn’t outright racist, but it leaves those from ethnic minorities lacking accurate representation. This further enforces the false ideology of white supremacy.
Consequently, these depictions of certain races may increase unintentional racism and cause people to treat others differently, as the mainstream media heavily influences our outlook on the world. For example, reporting of crime often shows a biased perception, suggesting that criminality is associated disproportionately with black people - particularly young black men - and forcing them into a negative spotlight. The media is a pivotal aspect of our lives, we don’t need to change that, we just need to change how it’s used.
However, as people start taking action, society should begin to improve. But, this still isn’t enough; we need complete equality for all races and full acceptance for everyone and for the topic of race not to be frowned upon and hidden: once black lives matter, all lives will matter, because right now they don’t.
By Amelie Reeves