Reflection on Racial Identity

Racial identity is crucial to a person's overall framework. without racial identity one has a very hard time connecting with their roots. If you can't connect with your racial identity then you end up feeling very empty inside. Yet, one can be criticized or even judge for what race you are. Unfortunately prejudice still exists in our country weather we want to face it or not. You can choose to ignore the negative attitudes toward certain races, or you can choose to be respectful of them and realize that all races have their similarities and differences. No race is better than another. And each race takes pride in their culture and customs.

I myself am a caucasian woman. i take pride in my racial identity. This year I attended a seminar at the Multicultural Center here at Marquette University. The seminar was called "Walking in her Shoes." it was a night dedicated to empowering women. What I never realized was that women in general are a minority group. While I do not feel very much prejudice as a caucasian woman it was fascinating listening to the Muslim, African American, and Asian women share their stories struggle in society today. I never realized all the little things that one could be judged on because of their race. For example some of the Muslim women in the room said their mothers did not want them to go to college. Instead their mothers wanted them to meet and marry a Muslim man. After they were married they would then tend to their household and eventually the children. The Muslim women were clearly not happy with this idea because they had a different life plan set for themselves. They felt like they could embrace their culture in different ways and still attend college and become and educated member of society. It was stories like this that made me grateful for my culture, and that I have accepting parents that support my life decisions.

As far as racial identity and schooling goes, I feel that your racial identity is something that you should never lose sight of. Especially in your high school years. Kids in their early teen years can be brutal. We've all seen these behaviors first hand. While some racial jokes can be brushed off, sometimes teens don't realize that they might actually be offending their classmates and friends. Sometimes a dominant culture feels like it is acceptable to poke fun at a dominated culture because they feel like they are superior. This trait can be seen quite easily in high school settings. The important thing to realize is that this behavior can be hurtful if taken in the wrong context, therefore we should do our best to end it if we can. Educators should be decent enough to stop racial jokes from going too far. The sooner we can end racial prejudice the easier all races can coexist in society. Schools are a great place for racial identity to be embraced. The sooner children learn the accept all races and all cultures the more they are able to recognize that all races are unique in their own respect.