The Big Question is
HOW??
by Kerianne K.
Racism means the belief that
race accounts for differences in human character or ability
and that a particular race is superior to others. Prejudice
is an adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or
without knowledge or examination of the facts.
Everyone is asking, "I know racism is bad, but how and what
can we do and how can we stop it?" Some other people think
that they are better than others and they should be treated
better. Racism poisons the world of trust we need in order
to live in peace. Racist jokes and racial unfairness leave
those being teased feeling helpless and afraid. People
really want to help but they don't know how.
Ways You Can
Help
In your communities you
can....
° Take part in
activities in your community
°Join
organizations dealing
with issues of racism and human rights.
°Create a speaker's
bureau of persons willing to speak about racism
and
human rights.
In schools:
° Object to
racist jokes and insults.
° Organize a poster or
essay contest.
° Show films on
prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and
racism.
°Find out about human
rights organizations in your area and what
role
they play.
°Suggest that your
class or school develop a policy statement against
all forms of racial
discrimination.
In your workplace:
° Object to
racist jokes and insults.
° Encourage dialogue
on racism and human rights.
° Organize a lunchtime
film series.
°Encourage human
rights awareness at union meetings through guest
speakers,films or other
presentations.
° Examine hiring
practices to ensure equality of opportunity for
all.
° Develop clear policy
statements against all forms of racial
discrimination and define ways
to make them work through cooperation and
consensus.
There are many organizations
that work as one with community groups and law enforcement
agencies in addressing, bigotry and hate-motivated violence
in schools. Education, awareness and training present
excellent opportunities to eradicate hate from within our
schools and communities. The following organizations offer
training,speakers and programming for
teachers,administrators, students, and parents.
I hope we will all one day
live in peace and there will be no more wars. People should
learn that all men are created equal and that there is no
race or culture that is better than another. We CAN one day
live in harmony if we really try.
Resources
Combating Racism and
Intolerance: http://www.ecri.coe.int/
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