Race, Inequality, and Injustice

 Jasmine Reese 

Contemporary Literacies

Professor Rosen

Final Project (Blog 1)

Race

Society consists of many struggles and strain. Unfortunately, there are many factors that influence these struggles and strain one of which being race. Race is such a beautiful aspect when it comes to life because there are so many people who come from different walks of life and beautiful places. Race is such a diverse entity that society can reveal, learn, grow to love and support a plethora of cultures and even religion. However, in today’s daily routine activity, people are judged based on the simple fact of who they are, how they look, and where they come from. For example, racism is one of the many factors that influence the struggles and strain between different ethnicities and cultures. Racism is something that has sadly been the heart of the horrid interaction between different people. Racism is the belief that groups of humans possess different behavioral traits corresponding to inherited attributes and can be divided based on the superiority of one race over another. 

Racism has influenced and led to stereotypes which resulted in many tragedies. In addition, due to racism, it has become a negative influence on the relationship between law enforcement and the community. There has been strain between law enforcement and citizens, specifically the African American community. As a result of racism, many historical activists sacrificed their lives to provide equal opportunity for all people no matter who you are. Leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and many more who has been more than a pillar to their community, and generation.

When it comes to race, minorities are looked down upon because they are belittled by society. Many people typically minorities have additional setbacks that may hinder them from achievement. These factors may be societal or even personal issues such as exposure to drugs, violence, abuse neglect, financial issues and more. For example, in the novel The Other Wes Moore, describes the significance between two young men (including himself) who were raised in the same environment but sought two different paths. Wes, who is the author, describes what it was like growing up in a rough environment. However, he had the support system to keep him on the right track as a child. He was raised with discipline, and there was structure within his household. He describes how growing up he had to complete chores before going to join his friends outside to play, and how curfew was something to abide by. In addition, he mentioned how his mother instilled the importance of education in him. In the book he stated, “my mother used it as a hook into a deeper lesson: that the written word isn’t necessarily a chore but can be a window into new worlds.” (Moore 2010). I believe that this can correlate with the narrative of being restricted from expanding mentally and physically. The world has so much to offer a plethora of opportunities to grasp in, but it is essential to visualize that and not just sit back and believe what people say or what society will portray you as because of your environment. 

Source

Moore (2010) The Other Wes Moore, One Name Two Fates. Novel.