If you’re part of a minority, dealing with racism might be familiar to you. A case in point: a third-year political science major at UCLA, made an offensive video rant against Asians and subsequently decided to leave the university, which has a significant Asian population. This decision was probably wise, considering the potential backlash and harm she could have faced if she had stayed.
It raises a critical question: how can a student from a reputable institution make such a public, derogatory statement, especially someone studying political science who should be particularly aware of the impact of their words?
Why do people harbor racist attitudes? Often, it boils down to a lack of education. If your world experience is limited—never having traveled abroad or lived among diverse cultures—you might lack the perspective needed to appreciate and understand different cultures. Over 60% of Americans don’t have a passport, and being native English speakers, there’s less incentive to engage with other cultures, fostering a narrow worldview.
Another reason is the tendency to blame others for personal failures, whether it’s academic, professional, or personal. Rather than taking responsibility, it’s easier to point fingers. Moreover, low self-esteem can lead people to seek attention in negative ways, such as making racially charged statements.
In some cases, people might believe that negative traits such as racism are inherent or genetically predetermined, which is a weak excuse for poor behavior. It’s more about the environment and upbringing, which shape our attitudes and actions.
If you find yourself recognizing racist tendencies within yourself, it’s crucial to become introspective. Question the root causes—be it ignorance, insecurity, or a lack of education. People like Alexandra Wallace, who publicly expressed racist views, face significant professional and personal consequences. It’s unlikely that she’ll be welcomed professionally or socially within the communities she offended.
Racism can be combated through education and personal growth. Watching comprehensive lectures on civil rights, learning new languages, and understanding different cultures can be transformative. These activities not only broaden your linguistic skills but also immerse you in different cultural norms and values, such as respect for elders and others, which is foundational in many cultures.
While freedom of speech is a constitutional right in the U.S., it’s also true that words have consequences. Public statements, especially negative ones, can haunt you indefinitely. It’s unfortunate that some individuals choose to express hate and intolerance, bringing distress not only to themselves but also to others.
Addressing racism is challenging and often uncomfortable. It would be eye-opening for everyone to experience racism to understand its impact fully. Perhaps then, greater empathy and understanding could lead to significant changes in attitudes and behaviors.
