This means that whites think that we fixed racism a long time ago they notice it is a problem they just do not think it is a very big one. Blacks on the other hand think that racism is a huge problem and we may have fixed it a long time ago but it has just now came back and brought up with it some very strong feelings. We've certainly made substantial progress since the repeal of the Jim Crow laws. But we also clearly have substantial work to do in America. Younger generations believe we live in a post-racial society where we don't see the color of someone's skin. We aspire, as a nation, to move past the pain and injustice of the Civil War and Jim Crow, and believe that we have. It's a deep, heartfelt …show more content…
Together we can do anything together America can do anything. (Cooke1) Racism is complicated, and has an individual aspect of prejudice. But even worse is the reality that generations of racist attitudes are now woven into our systems and institutions like poisonous threads, hurting us all. (Watkins1) When our election laws begin again to systematically make it harder for African Americans to vote; when police forces protect and defend some people less than others and are not held accountable; when schools and jobs are routinely of lower quality in areas where people of color live; and when white people don’t know or care, then we have a system that perpetuates racism whether the people in it intend to be racist or not. (Watkins1)
To my white friends and colleagues, a good place to start is to listen to our friends who are people of color—really listen. Don’t justify. (Watkins1) Don’t defend. Just listen to how our institutions work for or against our friends in their daily lives. And then join me in praying for a release from racism—in our hearts and in the institutions that perpetuate racism with or without us. Join me in advocating for transparency and accountability in those institutions—for all people.