Assumptions, Assumptions. Marcus Anderson Post 18

Assumptions about people of different races stunts the progress of us all becoming 'equal'. In chapter six Ted Koppel conducted the interview of a few white Philadlphians who bullied a African American out of their community. Some of the reasons that they gave for actions are as follows; " They were worried about crime, they said. About the women's effect on property values. About what sort of neighbor she might have been."(137) I think that it is necessary to examine the word MIGHT in that last sentence. Might is not a absolute. The white community had no evidence of fact to reasons why they did what they did. Assumptions was the guide to the white communities actions to bully the African American women out of the neighborhood. There is many things wrong with the situation. Here is clear evidence of racism, discrimination and inequality. Through this situation in the community, assumptions were the driving force for the peoples actions. In our society today many races and cultures assume different ideas about each other. This is a problem. The fact that people hold on to stereotypes and learned negative images of people of different races, we become at a standstill for progression of equality. Everyone in our world is not the same person, we are all different in our own ways. If as a society we can step out this one sided perspective of people of different races we would all be able to learn and develop an appreciation of peoples of different races. Just because I am a African American doesn't mean that I am a 'gang banger' or involved with drugs and crime. Actually I am a college student and also happen to love music and history. But from maybe seeing me for the first time, would most honestly place that assumption to me? I'm not trying to make a point to attack anyone I am just speaking in general terms here. I just think it is important that we evaluate ourselves so that we are able to become better knowledgeable people that can make a change within the world.