Rodnegro
27th August 2003, 20:47
http://www.rodrigo-ny.com/Flyers/RacismExhibition.jpg
Only a few decades ago, blatant displays of discrimination were occurring in America on a daily basis. Whether a minority was looking to use a public restroom, or simply go out and eat at a restaurant, it was quite clear where society stood in terms of our racial differences. From segregated school systems to the brutal lynching of men, women, and children, it was apparent as to what people, places, and policies would need to be changed before we could truly live in a nation of racial “equality”.
The devastating effects of racism were easy to understand at the time because we could literally see them. On any given day we could witness someone being hung from a tree, or told to get to the back of the bus, solely because of their skin color. Unlike today, where the roots of racism are deeply rooted beneath the surface of society, racism back then was out in the open. But while it was a disheartening and violent period in time, we were able to generate the awareness and understanding needed to organize against this oppression because of its visible manner.
However, the disappearance of public displays of racism has been both a gift and a curse. Because we no longer see segregation or lynching, many of now believe that racism, to a large degree, has come to an end. We frequently forget that while we have done away with the racist laws and disturbing demonstrations, we have yet to even remotely remove racism from our society.
The rest of this article can be found at http://www.rodrigo-ny.com/home.asp
Only a few decades ago, blatant displays of discrimination were occurring in America on a daily basis. Whether a minority was looking to use a public restroom, or simply go out and eat at a restaurant, it was quite clear where society stood in terms of our racial differences. From segregated school systems to the brutal lynching of men, women, and children, it was apparent as to what people, places, and policies would need to be changed before we could truly live in a nation of racial “equality”.
The devastating effects of racism were easy to understand at the time because we could literally see them. On any given day we could witness someone being hung from a tree, or told to get to the back of the bus, solely because of their skin color. Unlike today, where the roots of racism are deeply rooted beneath the surface of society, racism back then was out in the open. But while it was a disheartening and violent period in time, we were able to generate the awareness and understanding needed to organize against this oppression because of its visible manner.
However, the disappearance of public displays of racism has been both a gift and a curse. Because we no longer see segregation or lynching, many of now believe that racism, to a large degree, has come to an end. We frequently forget that while we have done away with the racist laws and disturbing demonstrations, we have yet to even remotely remove racism from our society.
The rest of this article can be found at http://www.rodrigo-ny.com/home.asp