Racism

Racism is the discrimination against a certain race because of their looks and customs. The race is placed below other races in society. For example, blacks were barely considered people years ago because of their different skin color. Racism causes segregation, the separation of different races. Segregation affects daily activities such as eating in restaurants, using public restrooms, and the jobs a person can have. When a certain race is discriminated against, the people are given rules against where they can go and what they can do. Other races see themselves as better than others.

In Maya Angelou's book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, racism is very present in Maya's life. Since she is a young black female growing up in the south, her life is very affected by it. At her 8th grade graduation, a white man tells her class that they will amount to nothing in comparison to white children. Her brother witnesses a dead black man being thrown into the back of a truck and this becomes a joke between white men that also witness it. When Maya develops two painful cavities, her grandma takes her to a dentist that owes her a favor. When refusing to help Maya and her grandmother, the dentist tells them he would rather stick his hand in a dog's mouth than treat someone of color.

It is important for teenagers today to understand the devastating effects of racism. People should not be judged by their race, or by any other physical characteristics. Racism can lead to violence which is obviously bad. Racism once divided our country and it is important to educate young people about its harmful effects so it doesn't happen again.

Visit these websites to learn more about this topic:

http://www.antiracism.com/

http://www.globalissues.org/article/165/racism

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