As today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I felt that it was appropriate to post regarding such. Personally, I think that Dr. King ranks up near the top as one of the great orator of this country. He truly was a great man and without his perseverance and leadership, this nation would not be what it is today. Unfortunately, I also think that if he were alive today, he would not only be proud of the changes that have been made in American society, but he would also be disappointed. Disappointed because of the large amount of racial prejudices that still exist. One of Dr. King’s major points was that all people were and ought to be equal. Unfortunately, there are still people that believe that they are not. There are people, both black and white, that still believe that the other is responsible for their current position in life. There are blacks that feel that white people have created certain institutions and policies that underhandedly rob them of their equal access to the resources of today. The are also many whites that believe that blacks are single handedly responsible for many of our country’s problems. What they don’t see is that it is of equal responsibility. Whether consciously or subconsciously, these problems do exist. I think that the only way to fix them is to consciously think about what you as an individual has done in the past and may do in the future to either further racist tenancies or racial equality. There are many people that shut down when you talk about race relations. If you are one of these people, you have to realize that the only way to overcome a problem is to talk about it. You also have to realize that if someone does want to discuss this with you, it should be a rational discussion instead of one filled with hate, anger, or discontent.

Finally, before I finish, I want to give the definitions of some commonly misused words:

Racist:

- a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others – In other words, someone who believes that their race is better than another is a racist

Bigot:

a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion – In other words, a person who is against anything or anybody that is different from himself.

Prejudicial:

Causing or tending to preconceived judgment or convictions – In other words, a person who assumes, for instance, that because a Canadian was mean to him once, all Canadians are mean.

So next time you encounter a situation, remember racism is wrong. No race is superior to another. Bigotry is wrong. Be open minded about each experience. No two people are the same. Prejudice is wrong. Don’t assume. Always give each person you meet a blank slate. Think of how you would feel if you were in the same position. Treat others how you would like them to treat you. It doesn’t matter what color, race, religion, etc, etc. anybody is. Don’t judge “by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I have always believe that by following this, most personal problems would be solved. Treat everyone as their character would dictate.

I believe that everyone should watch Dr. King’s speech. Not just on MLK Day but as frequently as needed to make sure that each person acts in accordance with a civil and equal society.

NOTE: Apologies for this not being available earlier. There was an internal error due to my constant modifying of my page template.