Bill Lozano
By Bill Lozano
SYLP student
During my stay at SYLP, we talked about diversity. However, with diversity, there is racism. I think the root of racism can be traced back to the Holocaust and American slavery.
Today, racism is still prevalent. Blacks are portrayed as gangsters, hustlers, and dealers. Mexicans still portray maids on TV. Asians are the quiet ones with small eyes.
There are still ignorant people who will degrade others that are different. However, they are incorrect, and we should learn not to judge people by their skin.
In America, racists believe that to be a successful black person, you have to work on your game on the basketball court or become a rapper. They view blacks as nonentities. These images of black people are, sadly, realities in the eyes of many Americans.
Most ignorant people do not know the true story of Mexicans. They come here to support their families in Mexico. The journey is hard for them physically and emotionally. They have to leave everyone they love and make a treacherous journey to get to America. After all this, some of them are caught.
As for Asians, ignorant people view them all as Chinese. They get confused and lump Koreans, Vietnamese, and Chinese into one group.
As a Filipino, everyone assumes that I eat dogs. This is false. The stereotype of Asians as quiet, weak, and short is also false. I’m considered Asian, but I have a bold personality.
Asians also get many accolades. Yes, they are good in math, science, and ping pong, but they are also good at so much more.
Judging people because of who they are is wrong, especially if they are judged on the basis of skin color. Whether you are Asian, African American, Mexican, or any other race, there will be those who will disrespect you. People shouldn’t marginalize other races.
We must rectify these stereotypes and be positively influenced by icons like Obama, Oprah, George Lopez, and Jackie Chan. As long as there is diversity in the world, there will be racism, but we can try our best to stop it. ♦
Bill Lozano can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
(The stories in this issue are written by SYLP students, not Northwest Asian Weekly staff. Opinions herein do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the newspaper.)