Just Say No To Racism: Dear Dish-It Discusses the Subject

Today’s topic is of a very serious nature, and is apart of our world’s greatest issues. An issue that is persisting as we speak: racism. It is so important that we see beyond ethnicity, race and color in order to live in a life where everyone gets a far shot at life. No one should ever be judged by their race, nor should they be treated differently. Love is supposed to be blind and people are meant to be determined based off who they are. Today on Dear Dish-It’s, “Let’s Talk About it Tuesday” we will be addressing questions and concerns regarding racism. I hope that after reading this you alter your perspective and become open to anyone of any stature and feel prepared to treat everyone with the same courtesy.

Let’s Take a Look at This Week’s Questions:

Question by cutiepie123

Why does racism still exist i mean that just don’t make no sense......this is me, i am black and i am proud of it and for all of u haters out there just don’t get mad deal with it alright bye

Insight/Advice:

Sounds like you are ready to own who you are—that’s amazing!  Your entering the first step of your work on this matter. This is the attitude you should embrace. Let the haters hate, they have no idea how terrible they look. People can think it’s cool to bully, but later on in life they regret it. Most people want to be good people, and no good person would feel good about being racists. I agree with you, I don’t know why it still exists. We see small progressions, but the problem doesn’t ‘t change. It feels like there will always be people who support white supremacy and will never change there outlook. This is extremely unfortunate.

Question by Reality.Is.Me, 

Dear dish-it, I have a problem with my friend. She keeps on saying that me and every Mexican in Arizona are taking over just because there are some Spanish words painted on the walls. Even though there are only like 50 colored kids in a school of 500 kids. I tired to talk to her about it but she thinks it's okay. What should I do?

Insight/Advice:

Sounds like your friend is very ignorant to the problem, and in some regard is expressing racist views. I would explain this ratio to her, and let her know that she can’t understand what doesn’t affect her. She shouldn’t make such statements because they are inaccurate. Tell her we should live in a world where both languages are present. That it’s not about take-over, but abut equality and fairness.

Question by somthing wrong

Not to be racist but why do white people call us colored I mean they have the different colors

Insight/Advice:

That is a really great question. I think it should be posed to the world. I like the way you think. I think they have to called us “colored” because we are different looking than them and this is there way of labeling us. One should be known for who they are, and by name, never should a physical feature define who you are or become apart of your identity unless you want it to. What these people don’t get is that we are people do and we are equally affected and panelized by the difference they present upon us.

Question by what ta do

I have friends different colors and some of them keep saying I’m racist please help me i am sad because I want us all to be friends ?

Insight/Advice:

Do you ask them why they are calling you this? If they have concrete examples of how you have been then it is something to consider. Maybe it’s the way you act or things you have said or done. You might not even be aware of it, but you should try to be more mindful of how you could offend people from different races. Be mindful of your language and how you treat people. People are people no matter what their race, and all deserve to be treated exactly the same.

Afterthoughts

Never judge anyone based off their race or ethnicity. A color does not determine anything. We need to strive towards equality and treating everyone the same no matter what they look like. It’s time to abolish discrimination of all kinds. Get to know people for who they are before you judge off their appearance.

Remember, that no one who really valued themselves would be out there preaching hateful content. This is why it is so important for you to speak out about it when you see it. Speak out when you experience it. Hate is a very ugly disease and you should not try to catch it or spread it. People are scared and they don’t have the mechanisms to deal with their trauma. They need support. They need to know it’s okay to tell their stories. It is important that we start to do the work and do what we can to help people. This issue affects everyone and therefore we should all be fighting to put a stop to it.  

Don’t feel like you don’t have to deal with this matter. Everyone has problems. Name the issue and remember that there are coaches and therapists available who are more than willing to help you deal with this. You don’t have to do this alone. Do whatever you need to love and accept yourself, and tune out all the bad noise. In time, I’d like to see a much quitter, accepting universe. Encouraging people to come out about their issues is also a part of helping the situation, we need to start and we need to start somewhere. I would highly encourage you to nominate a school club of this nature.

The truth is that we won’t see change until everybody Is willing to truly listen, look at their position and do the work. By taking action, yes, we can see a difference, but talking about it and coming forward about it is equally as important. Silence will do nothing but submits us to the cause, we need to rise above.

“Not everything the can be faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin 

Helplines & Resources: 

• TeenMentalHealth.org
• KidsHealth - A safe, private place for kids & teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life.
• Teen Line - A helpline for kids and teens to work through their personal issues and mental health as needed.  1-800-TLC-TEEN or 1-800-852-8336 (Toll Free US & Canada).
• Mind Infoline – Information on self-harm and a helpline to call in the UK at 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
• Kids Help Phone – Free, anonymous and bilingual helpline for young people in Canada, available 24/7 by phone, Live Chat, and the Always There chat app for any issue, including self-injury and suicide. Call 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca.
• Kids Helpline – A helpline for kids and young adults in Australia to get help with issues including cutting and self-harm. Call 1800 55 1800. (Kids Helpline).

Have Your Say

Have you ever experienced racism? How did that make you feel? Comment below.