Race Factor in America

"Rise above sectional interests and private ambitions... pass from matter to spirit. Matter is diversity; spirit is light, life and unity."

Muhammad Iqbal

 

Recap: 
Last week, I provided some facts on the racial makeup of America. I also included a YouTube video segment on racial identity and briefly discussed how racial identity is perceived and promulgated in American culture. At the end of the blog, I asked a series of questions in the hope of generating a heartfelt discussion. One of the questions that I asked was, how is race important to your sense of self? This question endeavored to understand the role that race plays in our lives as Americans.  

As for me, race does not define who I am. Although I may identify with being black and of Haitian ancestry, I am more than the color of my skin. I am more than what meets the eyes. I am an intriguing person. I am an aspiring writer, a sister, a daughter, a lover and a friend. Race does not define me, but complements me. It strengthens my sense of self because of the prejudices that I endure. I understand that those who came before me had to endure racial discrimination and I must endure as well.

For further reading on this topic, please visit: http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/news-articles/gen-y-post-racial. 

This post discusses Gen Yers' take on race and ethnicity in American Society. It explains that unlike the previous generation, race does not play an insuperable role in the lives of Gen Yers albeit racism is still prevalent in American society today.

1.      Is race still a factor in American society today? Please explain.

2.      How do you cope with racism?

3.      Do you think that Gen Y is Post-Racial? Please elaborate.