End Racism

Sam Figura
Jul 10, 2020
4 min read

Updated: Sep 15, 2024

I believe that progression for society requires that everyone must get along and live in some sort of harmony, especially without any form of hate that comes from prejudice.

I have spoken out many times against racism. I believe that racism is pure evil. It is morally wrong. The sins of racism need to be frowned upon, condemned, and pushed away from society. As a believer of Jesus, I'd like to share that the Bible strongly condemns racism (in case you don't already know). For example, the Apostle Paul wrote: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one [emphasis mine] in Christ Jesus” - Galatians 3:28.

The Bible is clear that everyone is equal before God. Equality is Biblical.

Jesus one time said, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 NIV

Love one another. Love everyone. Even your enemies. But love does not include the love of immoral actions such as discrimination, racism, injustice, etc.

Love the person and not the sin.

After watching the video of the brutal murder of George Floyd, and after reflecting on the countless instances of racism I've learned in my lifetime, I among millions of others agree that there is a real need to expose, speak up, and do something to change and advocate against the evil, systemic racism that exists in our world.

Racism has been on Earth for centuries, a reality that has left a nightmarish history behind, and a problem that persists to this day.

Racism needs to be confronted, condemned, and put to an end.

According to John R. Allen of brookings.edu, "Unaddressed systemic racism is, in my mind, the most important issue in the United States today. And it has been so since before the founding of our nation. [...] Slavery was America’s “original sin.”"(Web).

I agree 100%.

Thousands of examples throughout American history demonstrate the reality of racism, from police brutality to a plethora of murders and mistreatment.

There is a real need for us to reverse these injustices and reject racism wherever and whenever it arises.

We need to work together and put an end to racism.

I learned in several theatre classes at the U of O that often female actresses and female theatre artists get paid much less than male artists. That has always troubled me because I believe there should be equal compensation between male and female workers. Gender inequality is an injustice that needs to end, and the inequality based on skin color is another injustice that needs to end.

According to Business Insider: "[...] overall income for Black Americans was about 42% lower than for whites in 2018" (Web). Not only are women underpaid in the film industry and certainly in other careers in America, individuals of color are also underpaid, as we learn from that statistic above. Both of these injustices are simply wrong.

I'm speaking out against both of them.

What can be done about all this?

I believe as a Christian that one day all forms of suffering will end when Christ returns. His return will change everything. But what can be done now? I like how John R. Allen says it: "[...] action begins with reflection, and most importantly listening. It’s also about elevating and supporting the voices of those traditionally underrepresented, or even silenced, throughout society" (Web).

I encourage those reading this blog to do as John suggested, read the quotes below and reflect on ways to speak out against racism. Find ways to elevate voices of those underrepresented.

Ask yourself: how can you help rid the world of racism?

Stay aware of the existence of racism in public settings and speak out if someone is unfairly treated. If you are treated wrongly, use your rights. As John said above, to reverse racism in society, it takes action, reflection, listening, and supporting the voices of those underrepresented or silenced. John wrote elsewhere: "I firmly believe that we as Americans cannot remain silent about injustice. Inaction is simply unacceptable, and we have to stand up and speak out" (Web).

We must stand up and put an end to racism whenever and wherever we see it.

In response to John's words, below I listed some of my favorite quotes that target the issue of racism. These have inspired me.

I hope they inspire you, too.

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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —Barack Obama

“History has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.” —Michelle Obama

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” —Nelson Mandela

“Freedom is never given; it is won.” —A. Philip Randolph, civil rights leader

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Black History month isn’t just in February. To me, it’s every month. It’s year-round.” —Willie O’Ree, Canadian athlete and the first Black player in the NHL

“If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything… that smacks of discrimination or slander.” —Mary McLeod Bethune, political activist and educator

“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.” —Angela Davis, academic and political activist

“No matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger than its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise.” —Marian Anderson, singer

“None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so.” —Cornel West, political activist and public intellectual