Black World Essay, Research Paper

Black World

My perception of our world is that racism exists everywhere, even in the land of liberty, America. I am aware of the fact that there is racism against not only blacks, but also whites, Asians, along with people from all other ethnicities. I believe racism is deplorable in any form. Therefore I do my best not to be racist in any way.

One of my earliest remembered experiences that have affected me with this was a black individual was in Kindergarten. During recess one day I was playing with friends and then I was called in for pushing a black girl into some mud, which I had not done. After a couple of my friends accounted for me during that recess period, the young girl finally confessed that it was her own fault for getting muddy. Her motive for getting someone else in trouble for it was she did not want her mom to be angry at her for getting her new clothes so dirty. This experience made me slightly racist towards blacks for a short period. This experience does not really relate back to democracy that much.

My next major influence was my first grade teacher. I remember most of that school year was spent on Martin Luther King Jr. That was the first time I had learned about racism, and what had happened in the past to blacks, amongst others. That school year had a great impact on me and it has changed me ever since to treat all people fairly, no matter what color, sex, intelligence level, social class, etc. This experience has taught me the meaning of democracy, and how to practice it.

My third major influence on my view of others was my friend’s sister and her racist point of view. Whenever I would be over at my friend’s house and we would listen to any type of hip-hop or rap music, she would always call us the ‘N’ word. She would also accuse us of acting black and so-on just for listening to a certain type of music, wearing a certain style of clothes or whatever, she would always get her racist remarks heard. The funny thing about this is she’s a hypocrite. She used to listen to the same type of music with her friends, and she used to wear the same brand and style of clothes that we wear now, so I do not understand how she can say anything to us. My relationship with her has made me want to treat everyone even fairer. Being a victim of ‘racism’ has helped me a lot. This experience has shown me how an individual can corrupt a democracy. A racist individual with power is a very dangerous situation.

My fourth major influence not to be racist is one of my best friends B. I’ve known her since my freshman year at DGN. She is a very intelligent, nice, fun-loving black girl. My friendship with her over the last couple years has really opened up my mind to black culture and to accept their differences, no matter how large or small. It has been a very enlightening experience. This continuing experience has shown me what a true democracy feels like.