Racism
If there is one thing that the OJ Simpson trial will be remembered for, it is the racial polarization felt by all who have an opinion of the trial. Even though the trial itself was a farce, it does say something about where we are today as an American culture. It seems as though the racial divide is growing ever wider in our culture. Terms such as African-American or Irish-American are only helping to expand separation based on ethnic background. Just the fact that people insist on being identified with a country where the last known ancestor left one hundred fifty years ago speaks volumes of America's 'melting pot'. It is only logical that this behavior has manifested itself on todays college campuses. There is little doubt that racial hostilities are increasing for college students (Baraka 28). The underlying question is what can be done to solve racism on campus? It is first necessary to comprehend the causes and effects of racism on campus, and draw resolutions from that. There are many causes of racism on college campuses. For example, it is common to see white students engaging in conversations about minority groups on campus. It is in these groups, social or academic, that students have the power to
securing their identity, this need may feed ethnic hostility and prejudice. The search for identity might involve, as a detour, the desire to identify, or to strengthen it through being prejudice (Bettelheim 33). Unconsciously, by expressing a prejudice attitude, a student can protect his own individuality. On almost all campuses, there are special organizations for minorities. Some white students may envy these groups and therefore condemn them in order to feel important about themselves(Feldstein 32). In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere." The overall racial relations in the country seem to be improving. It is important for the United States system of higher education lead the way. There will always be racists in any given university, just as society as a whole. It is important to isolate these individuals and unify campuses against racism. These student racists will be forced into the woodwork, where their opinions will not be tolerated by others. The future holds no absolutes. With a conscious effort by college and university officials, the problem of campus racism can and will diminish to a level acceptable by all minorities: zero.
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Approximate Word count = 1525
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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