I've always been taught that America is a free country and that I should feel privileged to live somewhere so diverse where you can be yourself and get accepted for doing just that. As I get older though I've begun to notice something. YOU ARE WRONG! America is full of stereotypes, labels, and forthright hatred. So, let's delve into to some of these instances and see how free from judgment you are. Note: no smart ass comments in here should be taken seriously.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,421621,00.html
A Chicago sixth grader teacher faces termination for discrimination, of a 13 year-old student. The teacher "accidentally" picked the only Muslim student in class to use as an example of what an airport terrorist scenario would be like. She even went so far as to say the student would strap bombs to himself and board a plane. The boy's family says that the kids in class now refer to him as a terrorist. All because of this teacher's misjudgment in Islam and apparently appropriate teacher conduct. This kid did absolutely nothing wrong, yet he's pointed out for his faith, stereotyped as a terrorist, and now is probably going to be psychologically damaged for the rest of his life. And while this is a harsh example things get much worse. Read on...
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10459273
Apparently homosexuals have no constitutional rights, who knew? Oh, that's right ask the Denver police. A homosexual man walking on the street in Denver was called a faggot by a stranger and then punched in the head. Nima Daivari, who was visiting Denver for the first time, managed to hold his attacker until cops arrived. Then he was told he couldn't press charges because he's a homosexual and doesn't have constitutional rights. The officer wouldn't even take down the attacker's name. The cop was "fined" with taking 1 day off. The police department further REFUSES to investigate the incident as a hate crime despite the fact it was clearly spurred by Daivari's sexuality. Way to go Denver, attract those tourists!!! It's obviously not enough to refuse them marriage.
So maybe I missed the message that America is indeed the land of opportunity, if you're white and straight. I just don't get how people surrounded with so much diversity could be so ignorant. Maybe I've been lucky by being exposed to other races, cultures, religions, and sexualities, but hey what would be the fun in America admitting they are people too?
These are certainly two horrible examples of racism at its worst. And I'm sure more investigation would uncover many other stories like this. I think, though, it's always important to keep things in perspective. For every ignorant racist, there are people like you who were exposed to other races and cultures. And though we are far from perfect, compare America with other countries and you can appreciate the freedom we do have in this country.
~ElegantFree~
It is stupid... I used to think that as well, but yeah that was a funny thought to even think that! I think there will always be racism, no matter what.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~