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“WHAT DO YOU THINK?”
We have now entered a new decade in the 21st Century by bringing in another new year! We have overcome many adversities and obstacles with the election of our first African America President and promising steps towards passing of new and efficient Health Care. Although these are all commendable advances towards a progressive future, we still have an issue that plagues the country. This issue has caused much tragedy in the past and leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many— despite race, gender, or ethical views. Racial tension and derogatory statements regarding race have made the news in both federal and local situations.
On December 31, 2009 in Columbia, South Carolina, Vandals sprayed “No n_ _ _ _ _ mayor die” on the side of Columbia City Hall. There are currently two mayoral candidates in the 2010 elections and many believe that this comment was said out of hatred and intended to cause fear and discourage the candidates. Although the City’s response was very prompt, should this be a concern in 2010?
On a higher level, Nevada U.S. Senator and Majority Leader, Harry Reid has been recently criticized about his remarks during the 2008 Presidential Campaign about then Senator Barack Obama. Senator Reid has been quoted stating the then Senator Obama had a good chance of winning since he is “light skinned” and “with no Negro dialect….” Senator Reid has verbally and wrote an apology to the President which has been accepted. Since the Caucasian Senator, who is also a Democrat, has apologized and it has been accepted by the President, should citizens just move on as if nothing happened?
Racism has plagued many generations over the years—every color—and is just as an important issue today, as it was in the past. Today, racism and prejudices anger those who are not affected as much as those are. People are being more conscious about how statements would make others feel and how we treat one another. The above instances have been about race but there are prejudices among us all. So what do you think? Tell us of times when either you are someone you know has been treated unfairly. Should inequity and inequality still be an issue in the 21st Century? Tell us, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Left: SC State NAACP President Dr. Lonnie Randolph downplays the graffit incident saying "The fact that this was sprayed on City Hall is vandalism, not anything more than that".
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Left: On December 31, 2009, city workers pressure washed the side of Columbia, South Carolina's City Hall Building. The words "No N---r Mayor, Die" were spray painted in red 18 inch letters.
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