Our class had a very in-depth discussion on the issue of
race. I have always been intrigued by the topic growing up since I was a
minority where I lived. In addition I have also thought that racism is the
dumbest idea known to man. “I may disagree with what you have to say, but I
defend to the death your right to say it.” Voltaire. Racism is a made up system
of classification based on your skin or culture. The ideas of “authentic white
and dark” disagree with my view however.
When
growing up I was called many racial slurs and when I was younger, did not
understand most. In addition to what I was called, I didn’t understand the
terms others were calling, and being called. Even more befuddling to me, was
some people were permitted to use certain words but not others. On one occasion
I was physically taught what words I could say. According to “authentic
whiteness and darkness” I should have been allowed to speak whatever words I
wanted.
I grew up
among the authentically dark. Crime ran rampant in my area of town as well as
drugs and rap. Racism terms were heard daily for me but none were appropriate
for me to use. In this I am similar with “Rabbit” of Eight Mile. I thought it was
ironic that Rabbit’s character sought the approval of the authentically dark.
Through their approval Rabbit overcame the idea of race because he was fully
integrated into them.
Rabbit in
I differ in one extreme way. While Rabbit felt the need to achieve by seeking
their racial and social respect, I want respect of all people, regardless of
race. I do not see race but I see people. I do this because if I had indeed
identified the people I was around as a race, I would be the racist.
The only way to combat racism is to ignore
it. People attach senseless meaning to words. If no meaning was attached to the
words, no one would feel discriminated against. Those using the idea of race
are perpetuating the stereotype. Disregard race and listen to Eminem’s music as
a struggle, It’s still really entertaining.
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