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The Shifting "Color Line"

I see the “color line” as something that still exists today.  The scary thing about the “color line” of today’s society is that so many people don’t even see it.  Because freedoms and rights for every race is technically on the books, many people think that everything is fine.  The “civil rights movement” was in the 50’s and 60’s and we are technically past issues of segregation, separate schools, water fountains and just about everything else.  I would say that unfortunately, the “color line” is still here in the United States, but not as visible in outward appearances.  Yes, we have an African American president.  Also, we have higher percentages of African Americans stopped by, assaulted and killed by law enforcement, as well as higher percentage of African American population in jails and prisons.  In mainstream television, movies and advertising African Americans are still widely used for comic relief, in stereotypical roles, as well as being the “sacrificial” or “token” black person.

I don’t think that African Americans live “beyond the veil.”  I have a few examples I would like to share with you from me and my family that have happened in my lifetime, well after the “civil rights movement” of the 50’s and 60’s. The following are examples of racist and ignorant views.
  1. In my previous US History class just last semester, one of the students posted on a discussion board that if he could go back in time, he would choose to be a slave owner in order to build wealth for himself and his family.  He claimed that he would be a “good” slave owner and treat his slaves well.
  2. One of my daughters attends college in Iowa, which is predominately white.  One of her teachers asked the class if they thought racism is still an issue in the United States.  Not one of the white students though racism still existed.  Less than a year later, white pride posters were found posted overnight throughout campus.

These are just a couple examples from my life.  While great changes have come from the civil rights movement, there is much more work to be done.  I think where the most change can take place is in individual’s hearts.  One person can stop the generational cycle of racism in their family.  We all need to examine ourselves to see the discriminatory views we have about other groups of people for whatever reason and work to change it so that we may judge each person on their individual merits.

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