Say Not To Racism

United World College have embarked on their latest social mission, this time taking on the widespread issue of students and racism. Although it seems as though racism is only found in countries previously scarred by the topic, the frustrating yet true matter is that racism exists everywhere in the world. Discrimination itself is rare but several students in both local and international are subject to several racist and crude comments, as well as appalling jokes. Due the lengthy period since the international abolishment of racism, the present students have grown ignorant to it’s past effects. It is impossible to change the minds of students no matter how much history can attempt to mold them. But the new mission of the United World College movement is to provide their students with these reminders. The ‘We are One’ campaign, organized by the school’s very own 7th grade BTC (Be the Change) students, is a mission attempting to spread awareness about this topic and increase their peers’ sensitivity towards racism.

Although it is a small project, the group designed a video to show an emotional perspective of how racist insults can affect people. The video featured several students describing some of the insults that had affected them in the past. The video was played in front of United World College’s middle school and was received with a positive reaction. This reaction has proved a unified concern among the students. After the video was played, several sources explained their ‘shock’ and ‘will to change’ to our reporters. A member of the group informed the reporters of their opinion on the topic: ‘We chose racism because we believe that it’s one of the biggest topics we need to irradiate in the world. Although people say it’s not there, racism IS everywhere.’

The group have taken a powerful step towards a more positive learning and social environment, and to reduce all discrimination, especially the cruel effects of racism. The positive reaction was a massive indicator to the students, and an encouragement to building on their efforts in the future; it is a message that has been received by United World College international students with a commitment to care.

Discrimination: Will it ever end?

Discrimination has a long history,it is believed that the inequality amongst men and women in United States was the basis for gender discrimination.On a lighter note even cartoon characters have not escaped the ambush of discrimination.Archie comics:does it ring a bell?Did you know that a few employees at Archie Comic Productions filed a court case against the male executives.The female executives filed a federal court case about being “subjected to gender discrimination and sexual harassment” at work.

According to the website Dictionary.com discrimination is formally defined as, “To make a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing on thebasis of the group, class, or category to which the person or thing belongs rather than according to actual merit; show partiality.” Discrimination can happen at home,public location,work and schools.An examples of discrimination would be when a male employee has a higher salary than a female employee even though they have the same job status in the company they work for.

In a recent case,Scotland Yard subjected a black female officer to vindictive spiteful insulting, malicious and oppressive treatment and greeted her victory against the force in a discrimination case by trying to smear her name.She was discriminated against because she was a black and a women.

Such cases as above are prevalent across the globe and we need to put an end to it.One of the ways is to educate the generation better.Reported by Sally Hasler, “We need to reframe the way we think about women and working and stop placing limitations on their desires and abilities to pursue ambitious, successful careers.” Another strategy is to change the mindset and emphasise that women are equally capable and shoulder responsibilities equally well as men.If the world leaders talk about women empowerment and women equality in one voice it will help in changing the perception and hopefully reduce discrimination.Diversity and inclusion within work forces can help reduce discrimination with organizations.