Giorgi Goletiani

Professor Sean

                               Racism 

The belief, which embraces superiority over other races by expressing violent and abusive behavior, quietly aberrates our society. Over time, racism has transformed from a blatant and overt form into a passive style of prejudice and discrimination It all has started long time ago, when skin color was taking over people’s faith. Enslaved people were viewed as objects to be purchased, sold, and abused rather than as people. Despite the fact that society of African origin — both free and enslaved — have been present in North America since the 1500s, the sale of the “20 and odd” Africans set the tone for what would become slavery in the United States. Brutality, degradation, and inhumanity were part of their lives as a slaver. They were spending almost the entire day, by working at cotton plantations at dreadful heat;enslaved people’s diets were either insufficient or scarcely adequate to satisfy the demands of their heavy workload. They lived in filthy conditions that exposed them to poor weather and disease. Their clothes and bedding were all very simple. Slaves who served as domestics did better in some situations, obtaining their masters’ discarded clothes or getting easy access to food stores. They were punished by whipping, executing, and murdering. Additionally, they  were often refused educational facilities, such as learning to read or write. 

The United States, is federal republic and representative democracy, which claims being civil and equal to citizens, despite race, sex, gender, and orientation. Such structure provides the constitution, responsible for human rights protection. African-American people were denied educational opportunities and prohibited from any religious parties. The freedom of speech and expressing personal opinions are part of our fundamental rights; White supremacy was taking intense effort to violate them. 

The first amendment can be considered as the first step of creating an equal union, as the way of gaining justice for all. Every citizen is obligated to vote and express their opinion for a better future, they can own property, choose their own religion and utilize other fundamental one. However, how far can all of these be achievable? How can white supremacy “allow” and admit the nonexistence of the racial authority even nowadays. Recent events,starkly demonstrated the unfortunate reality we all are facing, after terrible murder of George Floyd. He was victimized by the system we live in; As Dr. King believed, every citizen living in the same land must be supporting each other, because the name of the country tells us to “unite”. Such blind acts are taking place every single day in America, and we all are responsible to speak up for gaining justice. People supporting white supremacy, have been told to think so since their birth, the families which are responsible of child’s development, are teaching them hate language, which will grow over time. Racism creates many other enduring issues affecting a person’s mental health. For instance, so many children are bullied at school, just because some parents could not raise their child properly and teach the right lesson.Prejudice and hatred are learned behaviors. They are acquired habits that can be modified. Children pick up on prejudices from the people of their lives, as well as the newspapers, books, and their peers. At a young age, the process of countering negativity with positives starts. Children’s bias is not intensified when mentioning discrepancies. 

In conclusion, humanity should evolute not only physically, but mentally as well. Time does not pass by for waste, we should educate and support each other in the ways of achieving the dream Dr. King had. The unity is full of justice, fairness and pursuit of happiness for all. There have been created many anti-racist organizaitons, such as : “black lives matter.”, “Campaign zero”, “Community movement builders”.. Etc. It is more critical than ever that we all stand in unity with one another during this global crisis. Human rights are a pledge taken by all nations around the world, including those in need. Children of all ethnic backgrounds, especially those who have been uprooted due to crime, conflict, or famine, need our assistance wherever they are. Every child has the right to be viewed with compassion and empathy, as well as to grow up in a stable and secure atmosphere.

References:

1. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/19/magazine/history-slavery-smithsonian.html
2. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ushistory/chapter/slavery-in-the-u-s/#:~:text=Treatment%20of%20slaves%20was%20characterized%20by%20degradation%2C%20rape%2C,people%20without%20defense%20or%20recourse%20in%20any%20case.
3.  https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2020/06/11/systemic-racism-and-america-today/
4. https://www.theclassroom.com/effects-racism-schools-8703390.html
5. https://cfgreateratlanta.org/2020/06/24/anti-racism-organizations/ 
6. https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/5-ways-fight-racism-and-xenophobia/34567