A seventh grade student at Hals Academy in New Britain is the winner of an essay contest on racism.
On April 26, 2013 YWCA New Britain took a “Stand Against Racism!,” aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. The powerful, unified effort helped raised awareness that racism hurts everyone.
Melody Rivera’s essay stood above the rest– and she won. Here is her full essay, and you can check her out on the FoxCT Morning Extra today at 9 a.m.
Racism
What is racism? Racism to me is when a person or a group of people make others feel bad about their color of their skin, their race and their beliefs. This should not be happening in 2013 and it should not have ever started. We have come along way but it still exists. We all come into this world the same way, perhaps across the seas or on the other side of the world, but when we do get here we are part of this world and the human race.
I believe the rights of all of us whether it be an African American,Latino,Asian or of any other race should be respected and our thoughts and actions should all be good . We are all here to learn from one another so it may be a better world. In the eyes of God we are all the same, so why can’t we see each other in the same way.
When natural disasters sweep through our communities like Hurricane Sandy and tragedies like Newtown took place. The people came together hugged and cared for one another. They did not see themselves as different, they saw themselves as a human being who was suffering, grieving, and feeling despaired. We all came together as one to help our neighbor, that person in need. So ,why can’t it be like that everyday regardless of what race and beliefs we have so we can live in peace and harmony?
My parents have told me to “embrace diversity in all it’s ways”. Learn from the people and their cultures. I’ve heard of a quote that says, “ People fear what they don’t understand” So go! Go and understand it. Listen, learn, feel and ask questions so there can be understanding and that fear will go away and with it, racism will too.
We need to challenge racism so we can hope that people will open their hearts and minds so they will be accepting of cultures and people that they are unaware of.
Bullying is not being tolerated, breaking the law is not also. Why do we let racism to exist. It should not! Racism is a ugly, hurtful, and a meaningless act that destroys. It is a waste of energy. We need to use that energy to educate ourselves and others and use it for good and for the better.