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Racism
The article titled, “SWR settles employment discrimination lawsuit,” it quotes the hotel’s HR manager as telling an employee: ‘’Indian massage is not in demand and your skill is no more needed.”
A sentence like this is definitely an example of racism. For some, it may not be a serious matter. However, big or small act of racism could still offend other people.
Articles like this confirm that until now, racism is still around the Island. It starts by simply using offensive languages, posting inappropriate jokes on social media, or by simply disliking and not trusting someone’s ability to accomplish a task. Regardless of the differences in culture, racism is wrong, no matter what. It may not be taken seriously on this island but it is indeed one of the major issues of the world. Everyone was born the same way but why can’t everyone live equally? There’s always those who think they are greater than another.
I believe that we can do something to diminish this problem. Let us start in our homes. Parents should educate their children not only in words but with actions. Let us show them that, regardless of the differences we see outside, we are all one. We should make each individual understand the significance of events in history that contributed to stopping racism. One great example is Nelson Mandela and the history of South Africa.
It is true that different races have different ways. But that doesn’t mean that one is better than another. And instead of fighting for what we think is right or wrong, we could always choose the act of exchanging knowledge and ideas so we could all learn from one another. We may not be able to totally adjust our own customs but we could always embrace the differences in one another. Respect and acceptance are keys to a better way of life.
Julianna Chloe Batuigas
Lower Navy Hill, Saipan
