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It’s been awhile since I physically wrote down my thoughts - I guess I may say I’ve often lacked motivation to do so. Today sparked something I do not normally experience- thoughts of reflection and examination I do not often take into account on a daily basis..
I suppose when people you do not know supposedly threaten people you know very well, it makes you think about things a little differently.
As a student of Howard University today I don’t know what
is sadder: the fact of having this apparent threat to our
school based solely on this institution being a hub of
African-American’s, or the fact that I am not at all shocked by
this threat.
I do not particularly care whether or not this was a real threat,
or if it was fabricated, a “bad joke”, etc. Enough
racially-charged action and tension has occurred this past
year that I would not be surprised either way. What I do
care about is the divide and mistreatment of folks in this
country and around our world that stems from skin color.
Progressions have been made, to be sure - these are clear
and evident. However further progressions are needed, and
while clear to some this is not evident to all. Some people still
do not see a problem worth their attention regarding
race relationships in the United States. Because this is a
battle fought on a systematic and individual basis,
societal ignorance is a major preventative in addressing the
real issues.
I would gladly take a bullet today for my colleagues, my professors, my University, and this country if it meant raised awareness and concern about the social inequalities and racism that still lives here.
But awareness and concern do not solve issues by themselves. In order to make sure steps forward we must have sure goals and unity to achieve these goals together. Otherwise we risk becoming a twitter trending hashtag that fades away without real, lasting change. Address it nationally, but let’s also address this on an individual level with human relationships we have and will have in the future.
I suppose when people you do not know supposedly threaten people you know very well, it makes you think about things a little differently.
As a student of Howard University today I don’t know what
is sadder: the fact of having this apparent threat to our
school based solely on this institution being a hub of
African-American’s, or the fact that I am not at all shocked by
this threat.
I do not particularly care whether or not this was a real threat,
or if it was fabricated, a “bad joke”, etc. Enough
racially-charged action and tension has occurred this past
year that I would not be surprised either way. What I do
care about is the divide and mistreatment of folks in this
country and around our world that stems from skin color.
Progressions have been made, to be sure - these are clear
and evident. However further progressions are needed, and
while clear to some this is not evident to all. Some people still
do not see a problem worth their attention regarding
race relationships in the United States. Because this is a
battle fought on a systematic and individual basis,
societal ignorance is a major preventative in addressing the
real issues.
I would gladly take a bullet today for my colleagues, my professors, my University, and this country if it meant raised awareness and concern about the social inequalities and racism that still lives here.
But awareness and concern do not solve issues by themselves. In order to make sure steps forward we must have sure goals and unity to achieve these goals together. Otherwise we risk becoming a twitter trending hashtag that fades away without real, lasting change. Address it nationally, but let’s also address this on an individual level with human relationships we have and will have in the future.