I Have A Dream: Difference Between Discrimination And Reverse Racism
I Have a Dream
Today race has become a sensitive issue. People have forgotten the difference between discrimination and racism, basically merging the two into one. Discrimination, reverse discrimination, racism, reverse racism is heard almost every day. It appears in almost every subject matter today. Everything from color, religion, wages, money, jobs and more are attacked every day. It does not take much to get some people riled up. If someone uses the word “them” or “those people” the fight is on. Do I think Dr. King would be happy with how things have evolved since his “I have a dream” speech? My opinion would be racist depending on who was interpreting it, that’s my point, peoples points of view varies. History is very slippery and easily lost and forgotten, so it is the remembrance of the content that needs to be accelerated, not just the focus on Dr. King’s holiday and great achievements. I think he would have been pleased with some changes and changed his views to a certain degree. I think he may have started looking at certain groups of people and their personal situations regarding …show more content…
education, financial standing, and employment status within the individuals not the race. The changes the country has seen since his speech have been abundant. I don’t think his actions were just a black movement of equality that he was pushing for. I do think that’s what it has turned in to. What about every other age, race, and gender minority? Statistically, the graduation numbers for black males are dismal, and undeniably pathetic. The nation graduates only 47% of black males who enters the 9th grade. The support and infusion of federal money will not stop the trajectory of black males who drop out. That has been backed up by statistics and argued by circumstances. The Rochester City School District (RCDS) in NY did a study. The study looked at districts that enrolled 10,000 or more black students. In 2006, there were a total of 1,208 black males enrolled in the 9th grade at RCSD High Schools. By the time those students were in 10th grade, 173 students dropped out or left the district. By the time the remaining students reached 11th grade, there were only 543 black students from that class-a net loss of 492 students. I believe Dr. King would not be pleased with those numbers. The research is clear and definitive. It’s plain and simple, black males are dropping out of school before graduation. The root of the problem is debatable. With a 47% drop out rate and one out of four black males ending up incarcerated, how does a race expect numbers to change? I have also heard the argument from blacks of the teacher effectiveness, and lack of a male role model at home effect’s their performance. My theory on that is the black girl in class, from the same family structure, is doing just fine. So who’s to blame? the teacher or the absent father. From 1950-1990 the college graduation rate consistently increased.
Only since 1990 has the graduation percentage of enrolled students quit rising. Dr. King gave his speech in 1963. That shows me 40 years of positive numbers. There should be no argument. I think any individual who wants to blame race or upbringing or their lousy situation for dropping out is making excuses. I’m in my 30s and in college, because I want more in life. I know a professor that came here from another country, learned to speak numerous languages, teaches a language different than his native tongue, and has lived a successful life. Asian students aren’t dropping out of school, their numbers are extremely lower. Yes, some have more adversity in life than others. However, life in my opinion is 10% what happens to someone and 90% how they react to it. Dr. King is my
example. Although many may believe that MLK’s dream has not been fulfilled, in a few ways it has taking many steps forward to fulfillment. America’s most recent step to fulfillment was electing our first black President, Obama. The government allows all races and sexes to eat, and to sleep, and to vote, and stay where they please. Before Barack Obamas election only one third of Americans believed MLK’s dream had been achieved. After his inauguration, that fraction raised to two thirds. Americans have the power to rid the world and themselves of racism. But individuals have to make the first steps for themselves.
Today race has become a sensitive issue. People have forgotten the difference between discrimination and racism, basically merging the two into one. Discrimination, reverse discrimination, racism, reverse racism is heard almost every day. It appears in almost every subject matter today. Everything from color, religion, wages, money, jobs and more are attacked every day. It does not take much to get some people riled up. If someone uses the word “them” or “those people” the fight is on. Do I think Dr. King would be happy with how things have evolved since his “I have a dream” speech? My opinion would be racist depending on who was interpreting it, that’s my point, peoples points of view varies. History is very slippery and easily lost and forgotten, so it is the remembrance of the content that needs to be accelerated, not just the focus on Dr. King’s holiday and great achievements. I think he would have been pleased with some changes and changed his views to a certain degree. I think he may have started looking at certain groups of people and their personal situations regarding …show more content…
education, financial standing, and employment status within the individuals not the race. The changes the country has seen since his speech have been abundant. I don’t think his actions were just a black movement of equality that he was pushing for. I do think that’s what it has turned in to. What about every other age, race, and gender minority? Statistically, the graduation numbers for black males are dismal, and undeniably pathetic. The nation graduates only 47% of black males who enters the 9th grade. The support and infusion of federal money will not stop the trajectory of black males who drop out. That has been backed up by statistics and argued by circumstances. The Rochester City School District (RCDS) in NY did a study. The study looked at districts that enrolled 10,000 or more black students. In 2006, there were a total of 1,208 black males enrolled in the 9th grade at RCSD High Schools. By the time those students were in 10th grade, 173 students dropped out or left the district. By the time the remaining students reached 11th grade, there were only 543 black students from that class-a net loss of 492 students. I believe Dr. King would not be pleased with those numbers. The research is clear and definitive. It’s plain and simple, black males are dropping out of school before graduation. The root of the problem is debatable. With a 47% drop out rate and one out of four black males ending up incarcerated, how does a race expect numbers to change? I have also heard the argument from blacks of the teacher effectiveness, and lack of a male role model at home effect’s their performance. My theory on that is the black girl in class, from the same family structure, is doing just fine. So who’s to blame? the teacher or the absent father. From 1950-1990 the college graduation rate consistently increased.
Only since 1990 has the graduation percentage of enrolled students quit rising. Dr. King gave his speech in 1963. That shows me 40 years of positive numbers. There should be no argument. I think any individual who wants to blame race or upbringing or their lousy situation for dropping out is making excuses. I’m in my 30s and in college, because I want more in life. I know a professor that came here from another country, learned to speak numerous languages, teaches a language different than his native tongue, and has lived a successful life. Asian students aren’t dropping out of school, their numbers are extremely lower. Yes, some have more adversity in life than others. However, life in my opinion is 10% what happens to someone and 90% how they react to it. Dr. King is my
example. Although many may believe that MLK’s dream has not been fulfilled, in a few ways it has taking many steps forward to fulfillment. America’s most recent step to fulfillment was electing our first black President, Obama. The government allows all races and sexes to eat, and to sleep, and to vote, and stay where they please. Before Barack Obamas election only one third of Americans believed MLK’s dream had been achieved. After his inauguration, that fraction raised to two thirds. Americans have the power to rid the world and themselves of racism. But individuals have to make the first steps for themselves.