Final: Daily Problem

I could say that we live in a free, peaceful, and perfect world. Nevertheless, do we really live in a perfect world? What injustice do I have conviction? I personal think that racism is still a big problem today, rather its direct or indirect. I believe racism comes from hatred and power over one group to another. Even though people believe that racism has died down since the histories, but we could still see indirect racism in media, education, or from career.
Media has the biggest influence on modern society. We get news and information through media such as Internet, television, newspapers, or magazine. Advertisement has its power to persuade everyone to buy certain products. It could easily brainwash someone’s thought and idea. For example, first week of the class, we talked about the Tommy Hilfiger ad. When I saw the ad, all I could think of was a cute girl sitting down. However, when Maxwell stated that it could mean racism, I thought to myself, it could really portray as racism. Since we all know that Tommy is racist toward Asian, it brainwashes us to think that Tommy made this ad to show his racism thoughts. Maxwell stated that just because the girl was African American, and she was spreading her legs apart, it could also mean that she is “easy” girl. This shows how power of one group is showing racism indirectly.
I know you might think that this is ironic, because school is the place where they teach you to think on your own, and its suppose to help think “better” ideas. Teachers have one of the biggest influences on every student. How teachers act or say could influence person’s life. For example, when I was in high school, my favorite teacher of all times, P.E. teacher was racist. He was racist towards Hispanics. When we were running a mile, there was one Hispanic person; he was the fastest runner in our class. However, my teacher somewhat jokingly said, “you know why your so fast? Because you had to run away from border police!” it was funny at the moment, but I realized that what he said was just wrong.
Lastly, in our readings “how to tame a wild tongue” by Anzaldua, he stated “if you want to be American, speak ‘American” (Anzaldua). If you don’t like it, go back to Mexico where you belong.” This is a great example that proves and shows direct racism. For example, I know a co-worker, Gabriel, which he personally heard this from our manager at work. One day after work, Gabriel decided to buy me a beer. First thing that really disturbed me was when we were at Safeway buying beers. He only had a Mexican I.D. with him, and the cashier gave him hard time by saying that he needs a Californian I.D. or passport. Obviously, my co-worker did not have them and it took about ten minutes to convince the cashier that he was over 21 years old. Later on, we started drinking in a parking lot front of our work, and he told me that he was illegal immigrant to United States and he have been living in U.S. for about five years now. I remember one story he told me and I cannot forget this story. He was telling me a story about a new co-worker that could not speak English because he just came from Mexico. Since he could not speak English, Gabriel had to ask questions for the new worker. However, the manager told Gabriel, “If he wants to speak to me, tells him to come and speak to me. You do not have to speak for him. If he wants to work here, he has to speak English.” Manager also added, “it’s not my problem that he can’t speak English. If he doesn’t like it, tell him to go back to Mexico where he belongs.” This event shows clearly that racism is still around, and this has to stop.
In conclusion, my actual thoughts and actions of racism are still influenced in United States. It might not be showed directly, but we could clearly see indirect racism. My point is that racism is still around our daily life, and we have to stop this chamber before it becomes worldly problems. All I can say is, “problem is solved when we start seeing African American or Asian American president.”

Work Cited
Anzaldua “How to Tame a Wild Tongue.” 75 Readings across the curriculum.
Ed. Emily Barrosse. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008.