Racism Should Stop Being an Issue Someday

Summary

The provided text discusses the pervasive issue of racism in society, its impact on various ethnic groups, and the hope for its eradication through awareness, love, and meaningful change, as exemplified by the public response to the death of George Floyd.

Abstract

Racism is a longstanding pandemic that continues to plague the United States and the world, affecting African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and others. The article highlights the efforts of individuals like Colin Kaepernick, who used his platform to raise awareness about racial inequality and police brutality against Black men, only to face severe criticism and loss of his career. Despite the significant contributions of Black athletes to professional sports, their concerns about racism have been largely ignored by sports leagues. The article suggests that had these concerns been addressed earlier, tragedies like the murder of George Floyd might have been prevented. The peaceful protests following Floyd's death have sparked a renewed call for change, with people from various backgrounds uniting to combat racism. The text emphasizes that racism is fueled by hate and can only be eliminated through love and a collective shift in attitudes.

Opinions

Racism persists despite many people advocating for equal rights, with hatred being a significant contributing factor.
Colin Kaepernick's protest against racial inequality was misunderstood and misrepresented, leading to accusations of un-American sentiments and his subsequent ostracization from the NFL.
The NFL and other sports leagues have failed to address the concerns of Black athletes regarding racism, despite their integral role in these organizations.
The article implies that if issues of police brutality had been taken seriously in the past, incidents like George Floyd's murder might not have occurred.
The text conveys that racism is not exclusive to African Americans but affects many ethnic groups, with a notable historical example being the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
The author believes that the peaceful protests in response to George Floyd's death could lead to significant societal changes if they result in altered mindsets and attitudes towards racism.
The author asserts that racism is an injustice that must be eradicated and that this goal is attainable through increased love and reduced hate within society.

That Is The Hope

Racism has been around forever, it seems. It is a topic within the halls of Congress and on the street. People are always professing that they are not racist, but racism does not go away. Why does racism continue when so many people profess to be for equal rights for all? Hatred is a major factor.

We are currently in a worldwide pandemic with the Covid-19. Racism is also a pandemic facing the United States and the world. It has been allowed to exist and flourish for far too long. Just as people look forward to the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, racism should stop being an issue someday. That is the hope.

Colin Kaepernick tried to bring the problems to the attention of the public nearly four years ago when he took a knee during the National Anthem at a professional football game in which he was a quarterback. Then other players joined him. Instead of focusing on the purpose of his taking a knee, he was criticized severely for being against the military and against the flag of the United States of America. That was not the case.

Kaepernick has stated in interviews that he was using the position he had to make people aware of the inequality in this country. He wanted to bring attention to the brutality which was often exhibited by the police against Black men. He realized that he had a platform where others did not so he tried to use it to make the public aware. He didn’t do it for himself, but he was trying to make a better world for others. Instead, he was accused of being un-American. He subsequently lost his career over it and was seemingly black balled in the NFL.

Born to a White mother and a Black father, he was adopted by a White family. Therefore, the experiences of Kaepernick were different than many Black people who grew up in various parts of America. Even those who have become rich and successful still felt they had to warn their Black sons of the problems they could face if ever confronted by the police. Racism was not dead and could be used against them for no reason or little cause. He was doing what he did for others who could use a voice and platform.

Black professional athletes are the bread and butter for professional sports leagues. With over 70% of the players being black on most teams, professional sports would suffer without them. They are extremely important to the franchises and the owners of the teams. Yet they and their concerns over racism have not been addressed. Even when the NFL finally came out with an initial statement that they support Black Lives Matter, there was no mention of Colin Kaepernick.

Perhaps if the NFL, NBA, MLB, and others had listened four years ago, all the turmoil and chaos from George Floyd’s murder might not have happened. Indeed, maybe that killing would not have happened if those issues of police brutality against black men had been rectified back then.

African Americans are not the only ones who have suffered from racism. Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and many others have suffered as well. Japanese Americans faced extreme racial hatred during World War II when 120,000 innocent people were forcibly removed from their west coast homes and imprisoned in American concentration camps. It was a mass incarceration through racial profiling which was a result of racism and hatred.

Yet it is unlikely that any other ethnicity has suffered such racism as Black people routinely face simply for the color of their skin. There may be people who are guilty of some crime who are harassed by the police, but there are too many unarmed and innocent Black people who face hardship and persecution simply because of how they look.

Although most police officers are likely caring and compassionate individuals, there is still too much racism among law enforcement and the general public. It will not go away until there is more care and love in the world. Hate fuels racism, and it is still a huge problem.

Hopefully, the peaceful protests after the untimely death of George Floyd will result in meaningful changes coming about in the United States. It will take a lot of people changing their minds and attitudes. It is gratifying to see so many White people and others uniting with the Black community in the concerns which have been raised many times in the past.

Racism is an injustice of huge magnitude. Racism has no place in society and should be eradicated. It will be a tall order because there are many ignorant and intolerant people in the world. It is worth the effort to try to get rid of racism. It will take less hate and more LOVE.