Racism is prevalent even if you can’t see it

Many people deny the fact that racism still exists in our society today and even on a college campus. We certainly made great strides in equality, but racism still stands, wanting desperately to slam us in the face when we’re not looking. 

Just last week, NBC news reported students from Duke University rallied together to protest an anti-Asian fraternity party that was being held on their campus. The party was called a “racist rager.”

The advertisements and promotional art were of a stereotyped Asian person speech and a cartoon figure of the late North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-Il. The party was themed and called for “stereotypical Asian costumes,” according to Duke’s newspaper, The Chronicle. Promotions even led to Twitter, where the hash tag “racistrager” evolved. The point is that racism still exists.  Some people are even taking pride in that fact. 

This is not the only incident of racism on college campuses. 

The Huffington Post reported an incident in 2011 that caused outrage at Murray State University. Professor Mark Wattier resigned after verbally harassing some of his African-American students. 

After walking into class early, freshman Arlene Johnson found that he had already started the film they would be watching. 

When Johnson asked him after class why class had started early, he explained that when showing films he started class early. He then said, “Well, it’s okay, I expect it of you guys anyway.” 

Arlene Johnson asked him what he meant by that.  He went on to say that the slaves never showed up on time, so their owners often lashed them for it. 

It’s sad to see such blatant racist remarks in this day and age.

Racism reared its evil head significantly within the last 10 years due to the presidential election of 2008. 

After Barack Obama ran for election, there was a fire of disapproval from racists all over the country. Jokes  spewed at Obama after his election specifically focused on his race. Many people believed that Obama was not born in the United States, but in Kenya. 

Notorious Obama hater and well known businessman Donald Trump even offered to donate $5 million to a charity of Obama’s choice if he released his university records, according to US News. President Obama and his wife disapproval was due to the color of their skin. 

As the first African-American president, Obama has been under a microscope more than other candidates. The fact is that racism is still prevalent in our society and it shouldn’t be. 

While talking to some of my friends, they explained that they still face discrimination every day. Even though most people don’t notice it, it’s still ingrained in our society. 

However, our Office of Diversity is attempting to keep a diverse, safe and kind campus. Every month, the Office of Diversity sets up workshops, presentations or activities to get students involved with becoming more accepting and respectful when it comes to race and culture. 

Last semester I saw  a performance of the one-woman play titled “Unveiled.” It was written and performed by Rohina Malik, a South-Asian woman who grew up in London. 

She explains through five different characters the racism she has felt being a minority. This powerful story brought me to tears after she explained the physical violence she faced for being Muslim. 

She faced immense harassment due to the hijab she wore as a sign of her religious beliefs on modesty. This shows me that racial discrimination is everywhere and is more serious than we perceive. 

We need to learn to accept everyone’s differences. College is a time to learn how to adapt to the outside world full of diversity and culture. 

Stand up against racism. The change starts with you.

If you hear racial slurs or hateful comments, don’t tolerate it.