20 Years Ago - NCHS Color Guard Takes Europe

We've been talking in class for several weeks about the identity development of different races; we're currently learning about Asian American identity development. This week's readings have focused quite exclusively on how White society devalues racial minorities and considers people of color to be aliens and foreigners. One article even went so far to say that racial prejudice is taught to everyone in the United States, including those who are being prejudiced. I shy away from making blanket statements because I realize that it makes me seem like a racist, but can I just say that perhaps the reason that White culture has been institutionalized in this country is because, for heaven's sake, the vast majority of the people here have, until recently, been White? This, of course, does not and never will excuse racism when it exists and I whole-heartedly agree that we should make strides to make every person of every race and creed feel comfortable, safe, and welcome here. It's the Land of Opportunity and I think everyone should equally have that opportunity. However, I'm not so sure if I subscribe to the ideology that White people have purposefully taught in the past and currently in the present teach prejudice, with the ultimate goal in mind to perpetuate the racism. At the same time, though, I do think that racist thoughts are learned from society. I think it's up to the individual to internalize them or throw them by the wayside. It's up to the individual and I think sometimes people are more predisposed to choosing racist ideologies.

I can only speak for myself, but where does racism even originate? I grew up with Jessica, a girl who is noticeably half Filipino, but who I never once looked at and thought, Wow, she's different than I am and I'm not sure why. What's wrong with her? She and I were best friends for years and I never experienced anyone making fun of her. Maybe I didn't notice because I'm White and I'm not her. She was probably one of only a handful of students in my elementary school and junior high school who was Asian American. And for a town who has "Racism: Not in Our Town" plastered on the main roads when you're driving in, it's almost unbelievable that it didn't happen. I would be interested in someday talking to Jess about what she perceived and experienced here and what she currently experiences elsewhere. An interesting topic and, really, a sad one.