“Racism is definitely a relevant issue in today’s society. It is still here because some people have a hard time accepting others and their cultures,” said Carlmont sophomore Sohun Awsare.

Though California and the Bay Area have done a great job of being tolerant of races and ethnicities, the issue of racism should not be ruled out.
Acts of prejudice against a race are apparent in our society. These prejudices offend and spread fear about specific peoples.

Carlmont sophomore Omid Afshar stated, “I have faced racism. Anytime I go through security checkpoints at an airport, I have to go through the machine or be patted down because of my Middle-Eastern background.”

Racism slows down lives as well as hinders their improvement, as Carlmont junior Andrew Sohrabi pointed out, “Racism can inhibit a person both socially and economically. This injustice can only be abolished through equal opportunity.”

A Huffington Post article, written in 2011, titled Minority Children Four Times more Likely to Start Poor, Stay Poor stated that children from a minority background are four times more likely to be born poor and suffer from “diminished academic standing to increased financial insecurity.”

Some people argue that racism should not be as focused on because the social issues of gay and women’s rights are more pressing.
Afshar stated, “Other issues should be focused on as well because they all tie into various different forms of prejudice, all of which lead to inequality and injustice.”

Racism and other social issues are important and overcoming racism is just a stepping stone towards equality.

Cobb stated, “I think there are other issues that are important as well, but racism is still an important issue.”

To cure the problem of racism, society must identify what the problem is. Is it our policies that still have problems?

Some point to the business community. “There are so many Asians in the biotech and engineering industry that employers are hesitant to hire them because they want more diversity, which is good, but at the same time they forgot they refused a job to someone, who is completely capable, based on their race,” stated Carlmont sophomore James Xie.

Others point to our laws. “Racism is especially directed at those entering the country. It is a lot better now compared to before because we have become a freer country but sadly, there are still racists that create laws made to racially profile groups,” stated Carlmont sophomore Adam Cobb.
Or, do we also have cultural issues?

Cobb stated, “In the past, racism has affected minorities so they have not been able to move forward. They have less opportunity than other groups and that hurts their chances for better jobs and education.”

Some argue that racism is so deeply entrenched in our society that there is nothing we can do besides wait for it to disappear.

“The generation that was racist is still alive and they might have raised their children incorrectly so their children spread their prejudice,” said Xie.
Is time the answer to our dilemma or can we not afford to wait?

Afshar said, “Racism occurs in everyday life, and the only way it will be fixed is if people change the way they look at each other.”

If acceptance is the path to abolish racism, then the only obstacle to equality is our will.