March 2003
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THEME

A Word on Racism
By Chris B., Grade 9, Fredericton High, Fredericton, NB

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

Words like these could shatter beliefs, make new life, topple cultures and save lives. Words like these change people and destroy them. These words did just that. Delivered by Martin Luther King, this speech was given by a man who thought the world needed changing. So he changed it. Racism needs more people like Dr. King, but it also needs more people like us who will stop it in ourselves. How do we stop it? Why? How would it start? These are questions that need answering.

Racism is ugly. Left to grow, racism leads to hurt, death, separation, slavery and even war. One of the most prominent examples of this is the slavery of coloured people in the south. Because of colour, Americans thought blacks were different. Like a weed, such a small difference grew, and turned into racism. Eventually this discrimination led to slavery. That slavery was stopped eventually, but it left scars. Racism shouldn't be let to grow, it just becomes worse and worse.

Without help, racism won't stop. We need to do something about racism, but what? The answer is action. However large or small, action will eventually rid the world of racism. You don't have to be a second Martin Luther King to make a difference though. Accept people for who they are, not what they look like. If we act, the world will end up a better place.

Why would anyone even think of being racist? It began as a simple difference between people. 1 in 10 people were black so they were thought of as different. People who were different from the majority of the population were thought of as weird. Gradually the racism grew. People began to hate coloured people because they looked different. That hate was passed down through the generations. That's just one of many ways it began.

I have a dream too. I dream we can eventually stop racism. I dream that all people will be equal no matter what their colour, religion, or language.


     



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