Racism.
The word makes you uncomfortable doesn't it? RACISM. And that is why people don't talk or think about it very often, and unless we do so, nothing will change.
Now let's some facts straight. Racism is WRONG. Why?
Because it is ridiculously unfair to judge a person for something they cannot change. A person is born with darker skin. A person is born Chinese. They cannot change their race.
Secondly, who is to say that darker skin is a "bad" trait? Who says that being Chinese is "inferior" to being white?
Another fact. Racism still exists. Like water turns to steam, racism has only become more subtle. But it's still there. And it still hurts.
As an Asian girl growing up in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, I can confidently say that racism is more common than cars on the road...or websites on the net (for all you computer geeks like me!)
Racism isn't just owning African-American slaves or slaughtering Jewish people, because that doesn't happen anymore - racism can be reflected in the words you say, the way you look at people, the way you act around people and the way you think about them.
Take this true event as an example.
I sat down with a group of girls (all white) talking about another girl called Tilda. They did not notice my coming. Jess explains, "So this guy called Chris has been liking Tilda for a very long time. He's always really kind to her and buying her gifts...she doesn't like him but she likes to lead him on for the benefits."
At this point, the other girls all sympathetically say, "Aww, that's not very nice of her." or "That's so mean! Why would she do that?"
Jess quickly adds, "Oh, by the way, he's Asian."
The other girls immediately seize making their sympathetic comments and say, "Oh." A few even say, "Well, I guess I can understand Tilda now."
One of them notice my presence and immediately gasps and says, "No offense though! No offense." The rest repeat this but look at one another with an expression not of regret but of smugness.
This is a typical event which clearly reflect how subtle racism works. These girls have not met Chris, but immediately judge him as being inferior and not worth feeling sorry for after acknowledging him as Asian. It shows that their minds are infiltrated with a previous image of Asian people and a subconscious idea of 'white supremacy'. They also do not realize that by saying, "No offense" half a dozen times, does not erase the pain or the offense.
If are ruling that example off as "dumb girls" exception, then here's another example. This time a straight-A, well respected, all rounded girl makes an attack at Asian people.
I am in an art lesson listening to the conversation of the girl next to me. She says, "...Kyle is so hot, smart and he's really funny. He has such a witty sense of humor and is so intelligent - and the good thing is, he isn't Asian! He is so perfect..." Her peer nods in agreement.
And this is a girl who is considered a role-model in our school... intelligence has nothing to do with whether you're racist or not. Neither does age. It isn't just these teenagers that are racist, adults are too. Very subtly. I've noticed that many of my teachers joke around a lot more to 'white' kids than they do to kids of other backgrounds as though we are less fun. Adults also speak to Asian people (adults or children) in certain way as though we are daft - soft and slowly. They look at you like they feel sorry for you because somehow you are disadvantaged by your race. For all those that do this - perhaps subconsciously, it does not go unnoticed. And it's very biased and unkind, and yes, you are a racist.
In fact, racism has reached so far into our society that you find that people are racist against their own race - without even realizing!
An Asian girl once said, "I really like my eyes. So big and round...not like Shayney's eyes - they're so Asian..." (makes disgusted sound)
And Asian girl attacking another Asian girl for having Asian traits. Am I the only one who finds this outrageously ridiculous?
You would think by the 21st century, where even fauna and flora have rights, that humans should still be subject to abuse over what color their skin is. Lately, racism has even become a trend. It seems rather cool to be racist, on Facebook, I see images of white people tagged as "Asian" and below the picture are comments saying, "Eww, I look so Asian in this picture...gross." followed by 'kind' friends who reply, "No, you don't look that bad".
Whether or not you are going to admit it, it's a fact that the very word itself "Asian" has become an offensive word. Being labeled as "Asian" is now considered shameful and something to very embarrassed about. Whoever invented this concept was clearly a very cheap person.
Most Asians that are being treated wrongly do not have the guts to voice their opinions - this itself, is something to be ashamed of. And that is why I have posted this, in the hopes to change the minds of those that have been brainwashed with the idea that they are inferior to white people. No race is inferior to another. There is no reason to be afraid of defending yourself or saying exactly what you think is unfair - you have every right to and you have nothing to lose. This applies to any race - not just Asian people.
And if you are one not a victim but a bystander or perhaps a perpetrator. I ask you to reconsider your morals again. What does racism achieve? Does it really change anything that his/her skin is darker than yours? Do you really think being racist makes you look smart? Think again.
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