As a person of color, I can say that I have experienced the scourge that is racism, both blatant and subtle. As a human being, I know how dehumanizing racism can be due to the fact that it makes you feel that you do not have value.
I have always tried stand up to racism and its effects as much as possible. But truth be told, fighting racism can be an exhausting affair due to the fact that its tentacles run deep throughout society thereby shaping the laws, education system and policies that directly affect people of color.
Even writing this article is tough because I feel the pressure of trying to explain what it feels like to experience racism, on a daily basis, to those who may not fully understand or relate to such an experience.
With that said, I will only point out why it is necessary for society to fight racism and work towards a just and equitable society where people, no matter their race, nationality or background can be fully appreciated, valued and treated with dignity befitting of one who is part of the human race.
You see, racism is a weapon that not only hurts its intended victim, but also its wielder. Racism blinds people from seeing the power of leveraging diversity to move society forward and addressing challenges that may require unique solutions.
Furthermore, when racism is institutional and systemic, it creates a risk that the over-policing and oppressing of vulnerable minority groups can cause society to ignore the issues and potential problems in their own backyard. This can lead to a lot of dire consequences such as the opioid epidemic that has devastated the middleclass main stream society in North America or even when privilege blows back in the face of those who usually benefit from it before.
Thus it is vital for us to do our part to fight racism and make sure that we make people of races and ethnicities feel welcome. We must never turn a blind eye to racism and oppression wherever it is because if there is one thing I have noticed with racism it is this: Racism has no qualms biting the hand that feeds it because it is the deadliest of parasites.
