Racism

Racism has been "invented" by different groups of race and has been part of our society all along. The idea from the class discussion about how 'racism cannot fully be stopped, unless the people are running against it' caught my attention. The idea does make sense and most people seemed to agree with it, but what exactly is running against racism?

As I was thinking about what actions would be considered as running against racism, Russell Peter came in my mind during class discussion, he is a Indian stand-up comedian. His stories and jokes mostly consists of different races and their stereotypes including his own race. (For example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frW0KTxrkGg.) I couldn't make up my mind on if he would be considered as running with the racist crowd or running against it. In ways, he is trying to show that all stereotypes in different races are not necessarily true and help the audience to understand where they come from. But the other way around, he is still telling racist stories and jokes. The whole idea of running against racism seems to be based on peoples opinion.

As discussed in class, things such as Affirmative actions could be the anti-racist actions. However I see that as only one small branch of racism that makes an effort to give all equal opportunity. Because racism is such a broad concept, I feel that unless one live as the other race, experience it and understand it, the barrier between these races will not be broken.

Hoon