Who knew that race was really still such an issue in the modern United States? I find it pathetic how we are still trying to define the word "discrimination" and attempt to call people out on certain practices and statistics. It hurts me to say this, but as far as we have come since the 1960s, it is still not enough. There are always going to be racists in the world, but practicing and preaching racism is not the answer to making society any better.
NFL.com, among other sports websites, started race wars on their forums just by using controversial titles to announce the Historically Black Colleges/University organization's new College Football Hall of Fame class. There are many on the forums that have claimed that blacks are discriminating against all other races.
First of all, the last time I checked, this hall of fame was created specifically for pro football players and coaches, who either played or coached at a historically black college or university. This is not discrimination; this is a private organization putting together a ceremony for people they want to honor. If you don't like this, then contact the KKK about allowing African-Americans to join their organization; then, we will talk about exclusivity in the United States.
You should come to expect private organizations to rise up with only one race in mind. Looking back on our United States history, we can tell why there is still racism in our country. Some have not let go of the early 1900s and its unyielding discrimination and segregation laws.
In 2010, there was an issue at the University of California when the historically all-Caucasian fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, decided to throw a cookout to make fun of African Americans during Black History Month. They were encouraged to dress up as the many common stereotypes associated with the modern African American, such as nappy hair, gold chains, and cheap clothes, just to name a few. For refreshments, they served chicken, watermelon, malt beer, and "dat purple drink." I find this to be quite a pathetic stand, but this act just proves that racism still is a strong deterrent in our country.
Why else would people be up in arms about the HBCU's decision to honor students from Black colleges and universities? That is not racist; if a white football player decided to attend a historically black college and plays exceptionally, they could end up in the HBCU's College Football Hall of Fame as well. However, the forums just display complete ignorance to the fact that the world has changed. Sadly, some people have not made the change with it. Hatred and ignorance is a personal problem, not a collective one. It is just sad to see that, despite all the strides we made to end racism in our country, it will probably never fully go away.
Written by R. Turk
http://expertscolumn.com/content/race-wars-modern-times-racism-never-left
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