Andrea Swick
Professor Lloyd
English 112
Essay 2
“COULD EMPATHY RUDUCE RACISM?” Racism has been the most controversial issue for centuries and still is in today’s society. Racism is not as it was years ago but is an ongoing problem. Though many people might not be aware to the situation, racism goes on everywhere; in school, workplace, or anywhere else social lives are occurring. So much in social media has been going on due to racism today. If only there was a way to look passed this horrible act; a reason behind it. In fact a child is not born a racist, it’s something that has to be taught. I believe showing empathy could open the eyes to many on how everyone feels on racism. As said by famous Author Daniel H. Pink, “Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with his or hers heart, seeing with his or hers eyes. Not only is empathy hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place.” There have been many acts and killings recently due to an unfortunate decision. Due to poor judgment and not showing empathy many have lost their loved ones, had their feelings hurt, and been looked down upon. Here are just a few examples of the many horrible acts. “One of the worst things about racism is what it does to young people.” - Alvin Ailey. On the 26th of February 2012, there was a young boy by the name of Trayvon Martin on every news channel. Martin was a 17-year-old black male gunned down by former neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman. Zimmerman reported that there was a suspicious person in the neighborhood. Zimmerman went to approach Martin and asked who he was. Martin failed to identify. Zimmerman claims that he shot Martin in self-defense.
“Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” - Abraham Joshua Heschel. On August 11th 2014 CNN writes article, “Protests play out in the streets after teen is fatally shot by police,” which speaks of a young boy that was fatally shot and killed on the 9th of August. In Ferguson, Missouri, an 18-year-old black male by the name of Michael Brown was gunned down by a white cop. Witnesses to Brown’s shooting said Brown was unarmed and had his hands in the air. Witnesses also say Brown did nothing to instigate the shooting and appeared to be surrendering when he was killed. It was said that Brown and a friend were accused of stealing gum from a store or some sort of cigarettes. The police officer tried to get out of his vehicle just before the shooting, but Brown pushed him back into the car, said St. Louis County Chief Jon Belmar. Brown “physically assaulted” the officer, Belmar said, and the teen tried to get the officer’s weapon. Brown was shot about 35 feet from the vehicle, the chief said, declining to provide more details. Since Browns killing there have been many riots, including damaged property, cops being shot at and 32 people arrested. “Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.” - Rosa Parks. Sydney Morning Herald of Sydney, Australia gives an example of racism in article, “Mother pursues racism suit over son’s school seat.” The article speaks of a mother of a Chinese boy has complained to the Anti-Discrimination Board because her son’s teacher made him sit in front of the classroom and referred him to ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. The mother of the student complained that the state Department of Education and Communities had discriminated against her son because he is Chinese and wears glasses. The boy’s teacher said she placed him at the front so she could monitor him because he was disrupting other students and himself. The mother says that ESL classes are a waste of time because his son’s language skills were good. “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. Another example is given by CNN’s