Racism has come to the fore in many conversations in the United States and other parts of the world. With outrage being exhibited through mostly peaceful protests over the killing of George Floyd with a police officer’s knee pressed into his neck, the issue of race has re-emerged in full force.
This is not the first time there have been protests against police brutality towards black men. It has happened several times with people upset about the deaths of black men who were unjustly killed by police officers who appeared to have racist tendencies. There have also been protests when civilians, ordinary citizens, have attacked black men whom they suspected of doing something wrong. Some of the murdered victims were unarmed and totally innocent. Some were mothers.
People are often prone to turning the other way if they see a racist event taking place. If someone calls another person a racial slur or tells her to go back to her own country (even though she was born in the US), those are acts of racism. It’s not easy to intervene if someone sees such behavior, but speaking up for the innocent person could go a long way toward easing racial tensions. More people could help instead of ignoring the situation.
Hate crimes are sometimes perpetrated against people of minority races, people who are or are perceived to be immigrants, LGBTQ people, or others who may be different in some way. If it seems dangerous to get involved or talk, a passerby could call the police. Hate crimes are not allowed and must be eliminated.
Although not all police are sympathetic to minorities and some have been shown to be racist, most police can be trusted to respond carefully to calls for help. Police work is dangerous and not always appreciated, but they are the ones who respond when help is needed. Good policing will be critical to stopping the racism that is too often unfairly manifested against black men and others.
Racism and hatred of people other than the majority were the reasons Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated in camps during World War II. Although some people tried to help them, no one stopped the unfair treatment these innocent people received due to racist actions.
Stopping a racist attack personally can be difficult and scary. There are things people can do to stop racism. Being kind and caring are the first steps in being able to help people who may be bullied and targeted with racist actions. Calling out a stalker can stop insults. It will take courage, but speaking up will help curb racism.
It may be almost impossible to completely eradicate racism in the United States as long as there are ignorant and intolerant people. Black people and other minorities facing racism need a fairer and more equal opportunity for success and fair treatment.
Can a racist act be stopped? Maybe and maybe not, but the world would be a better place if more people tried to help, even just by saying something.