Growing up, people told me that talking about race and gender would almost always lead to an argument. Americans have been taught to avoid such touchy subjects – to act as if they don’t exist at all.
Throughout American history, minorities have struggled to gain equal rights. Although we still have work to do, the situation has improved, and this country has more equality.
The history and diversity of this country shouldn’t be swept under a rug – it should be celebrated and discussed without fear of arguments or allegations of being racist, sexist or discriminatory. Society has taught us to be so sensitive about these topics that it has led to two dominant ways of handling them: Pretend they don’t exist and avoid talking about them, or rely too heavily on them and illogically conclude that one is racist, sexist or discriminatory in general.
Those who avoid talking about these issues either don’t believe they exist or are too afraid of starting a confrontation to speak up. Ignorance or fear of how others will react may be to blame, but whatever the reason, avoiding these issues isn’t the answer.
However, it is my belief that people who rely too heavily on issues of racism, sexism and other discriminatory acts are even worse than those who avoid the issues in the first place.
Take for example the Rev. Al Sharpton, who seems to go on the news every week screaming about racism in any part of the country. Does racism still exist in this country? Certainly. However, does racism account for every problem Sharpton believes it does? No.
Since the beginning of the Trayvon Martin case, Sharpton has stuck to his belief that this was an act of racism. Despite the controversy surrounding whether the killing was an act of racism or an act of self defense, Sharpton has decided to play the role of the justice system and place a guilty verdict on George Zimmerman before all information is obtained, an arrest is made or the trial is completed. It is entirely too early to blame this particular case on racism – let the investigation uncover the facts first. If those facts warrant a trial and racism is proven to be a factor in Martin’s death, then Sharpton – and the country as a whole – has every right to be outraged. Until then, Zimmerman – regardless of his race – is innocent until proven otherwise.
Jumping to these sorts of conclusions happens at this university every year. Last year, an advisor accused me of being sexist based on a review I wrote of my internship. This particular advisor believed I “praised” a male internship coordinator more than a female internship coordinator I had the previous semester. Growing up in a household run by a woman, I have nothing but the utmost respect for women – whether they are housewives or CEOs of a major company. The fact that I liked one internship more than another had nothing to do with whether the coordinator was male or female. It baffled me how quickly one could accuse someone based off such circumstantial and minimal evidence.
In general, people need to be more open to discussing issues dealing with race and gender in a responsible manner. Society needs to recognize that injustices still exist, but we must not be led to believe these injustices account for every problem that some, like Sharpton, point to. In an ABC report, actor Hill Harper said it best, stating that we need a “truthful dialogue” when dealing with these issues. Not ignorance, nor blame, but dialogue.
Josh Birch is a senior communication and history major. He can be reached at birch@umdbk.com.
