#promotingunderstanding

The Racial Caucus felt like we finally visualized the separation of race that occurs throughout this country. This is not necessarily a bad thing because each group has their own problems that need to be directly addressed by people in those groups. I was in the Asian group, and being able to talk to others of the same race really helped me see that I was not going through discrimination and related issues alone. They had all or mostly experienced some similar instance of prejudice, discrimination, or stereotyping. It was really surprising, however, that some had felt it since elementary school. I feel like I became more aware of my different skin color when I was ending elementary school and entering middle school. I had always had a mixed race friend group, but then I started being able to only have long discussions and felt comfortable around other Asians. I feel like many of us, especially those that are colored minorities, feel this transition in where we belong and who we are. The war, knowledge of hate groups like the KKK, and history even in the classroom all contribute to our awareness of being a different race. Now that I am in college, I want to re-diversify my friend group and see different perspectives instead of avoiding them.

For instance, I have friends that are black, white, Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern, and we all get along. We see past our different skin colors but also respect that we will never be the same. My white friends cannot empathize about being “randomly checked” at the airport or being questioned about where I was “really” from. But they will stand up for me if others try to treat me this way. My black friends have taught me more about their culture by talking about their family history during slavery, the differences in the North and South, and the continued police violence against them. My Hispanic friends are currently concerned about Trump and his plan to “build a wall.” They feel like they are being heavily targeted today and do not know what their futures will be like in this country. My Asian and Middle Eastern friends are tired of being called “terrorists” and questioned about their culture, especially those that are Muslim.