Premium Essay

Improving Racial Relations In High School

Submitted By
Words 546
Pages 3
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others,” In response to this, I am improving racial relations for others, and future generations.Throughout my high school career I have participated in the STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program), which is a program designed to integrate minorities into medical occupations. This program exposes minorities to medical careers and opportunities, and prepares minorities for college. As a future doctor, I want to show other minorities that no career is too far for them to reach. To demonstrate the medical field is not just for Caucasians, but minorities as well. Since junior year I have attended two race summits in Rochester. One race summit was through a group based in Ferguson, and another presented by Penfield High school. I recently attended a two day …show more content…
Junior year I also participated in a city-exchange between Fairport High School, and the Rochester City School District. I also spoke to a group of future teachers studying, at the St. John Fisher, about diversity, and race relations in schools. I spoke about different solutions they can utilise as future teachers, to ease race relations. Lastly, I co-founded the D.R.E.A.M (Demonstrate Racial Equality 4 All Mankind) club. This club is all about talking and improving racial tensions. To achieve this we volunteer in both the Fairport, and greater Rochester Area, paint murals, and have racial discussions. My work has directly impacted race relations. Mostly because it has forced my peers and to acknowledge that racism is an issue, and to talk about it. At my school, my peers are more aware of systematic racism, more likely to stop, and speak out about a racist gesture/ act. My activity of the D.R.E.A.M club at my school has contributed to an increase in

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Racial Conflict

...John Powers Global Connections Mackey 22 Oct 2015 Racial Conflict Differences between races will always be based on biological factors. All homo-sapiens on earth are human, however it is the social structures created by the different physical attributes that differ between us where prejudices appear. The history that racial and ethnic groups already have between one another also is a primary reason for conflict between racial and ethnic groups. While racism in America seems to be less of an issue now, than during the early years of the country, the simple fact that racism was present before is a motivating factor for conflict between whites and African-Americans today. What we see today in America are conflicts of prejudice between law enforcement agencies and the citizens they police over. Most notably within the past 3 years are the Ferguson riots incited by the supposed police brutality that has been extensively talked about through news coverage and blown out of proportion through social media. Michael Brown was supposedly wrongfully killed by police which created the toxic environment of constant police brutality related to racism. In the US, racism is a well known issue. From racial profiling to other issues such as affirmative action, police brutality against minorities and the history of slavery and the rising resentment against immigrants. Racism in America is not only against the black community but among many other races as well. Since the horrific terrorist...

Words: 1344 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Sociology Basics

...(social class) 2. Racial inequality 3. Gender inequality. Equality/inequality -Ontological equality -Equality of opportunity -Equality of condition -Equality of outcome Why inequality exists? Inequality in wealth and access to resources is generated by three processes: 1.) Unequal division of labor and/or low mobility across occupations. 2.) Surplus or abundance of resources 3.) The desire to accumulate wealth and assets Types of social mobility: mobility refers to movement between different position within a system of social stratification 1. Horizontal 2. Vertical 3. Structural 4. Exchange Why the class structure is changing -Massive growth in inequality between the rich and the poor. Called the “Great U-Turn” -Shrinking of the working class, with some growth in middle class and working poor. -Growth of poverty and the “underclass” -Rate of poverty is increasing twice as fast as population growth Why income inequality is increasing -Largely due to the increasing concentration of wealth at the very top of the income distribution. consequences of income inequality -High levels of income inequality reduces social cohesion, overall health, overall wealth, and education -Increases crime, debt, and political polarization Social construction of race -Instead, social scientists argue that “race” is socially constructed. Racial categories and the meaning of race vary over time and geographically. Racial status is differentially...

Words: 2093 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Educational Psychology

...RUNNING HEAD: CULTURE AND PARENTING Culture and parenting Introduction Parenting is the first and likely most important mechanism through which culture is reproduced (Cauce, 2008). Every child is born into a certain circumstance and learns through interactions with the surroundings. Parents are generally the first and key people in a child’s life, so it should come as no surprise that parenting has influences on the development of children’s temperament, which later impacts their school performance. This article is going to explore how parenting varies among different ethnic groups including Asian Americans, African American, Latinos, and European Americans. More specifically, what factors should be included when considering the parenting characteristics of a unique ethnic group and what implications might they have for schooling today. Theories Two of the modern theories that are concerned with cultural influences on human development are Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and Ecological Systems Theory proposed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. First, Vygotsky’s theory defined culture as the values, beliefs, customs, and skills of a social group. His Sociocultural Theory focuses on how culture is transmitted to the next generation. According to Vygotsky, social interaction – in particular, cooperative dialogues with more knowledgeable members of society – is necessary for children to acquire the ways of thinking...

Words: 5498 - Pages: 22

Premium Essay

Race, Urban Poverty, and Public Policy

...The problems of race and urban poverty remain pressing challenges which the United States has yet to address. Changes in the global economy, technology, and race relations during the last 30 years have necessitated new and innovative analyses and policy responses. A common thread which weaves throughout many of the studies reviewed here is the dynamics of migration. In When Work Disappears, immigrants provide comparative data with which to highlight the problems of ghetto poverty affecting blacks. In No Shame in My Game, Puerto Rican and Dominican immigrants are part of the changing demographics in Harlem. In Canarsie, the possible migration of blacks into a working/middle-class neighborhood prompts conservative backlash from a traditionally liberal community. In Streetwise, the migration of yuppies as a result of gentrification, and the movement of nearby-ghetto blacks into these urban renewal sites also invoke fear of crime and neighborhood devaluation among the gentrifying community. Not only is migration a common thread, but the persistence of poverty, despite the current economic boom, is the cornerstone of all these works. Poverty, complicated by the dynamics of race in America, call for universalistic policy strategies, some of which are articulated in Poor Support and The War Against the Poor. In When Work Disappears, William Julius Wilson builds upon many of the insights he introduced in The Truly Disadvantaged, such as the rampant joblessness, social isolation, and...

Words: 2489 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

How Did Richard Nixon Influence Government

...Nixon openly voiced his view on desegregation, and stated that his objective was to “place the question of school desegregation in its larger context, as part of America’s historic commitment to the achievement of a free and open society” (Nixon). Nixon reaffirmed his support for the Brown v. Board of Education decision, and discussed his policies to ease the transition of segregated schools. However, one of the aspects of desegregation that he furiously opposed was the idea of busing. The objective of busing was racial integration, but Nixon believed it was unnecessary. Unfortunately, his views encouraged racist mobs that attacked children on buses...

Words: 1390 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

1malaysia

...Najib Tun Razak has made waves to all corners of the nation with the introduction of 1Malaysia concept. The concept evolves around culture of excellence, perseverance, acceptance, education, integrity, meritocracy, humility and loyalty. It also encompases NKRAs on six major issues. Since independent, national unity has been made top priority – unity in education, culture, socio-economy, political, regional, etc. 1Malaysia seeks to improve the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural backgrounds. There are certain major concerns that need to be addressed in order to seriously engage in 1Malaysia concept. Without correcting them, all efforts will be in vain. 1Malaysia concept caters the needs of all sector of the plural society and to ensure equal distribution of wealth between racial groups, between states and federal. Integrity on the part of the government and the public sector is one matter. The introduction of NKRAs and KPIs is a laudable move. The managing of all spectrums of unity (not just racial) is to be given proper thinking. In order to move Malaysia towards a better society, identity and future hence unity and integration should promote co-operation between race, beliefs and region as one Malaysia, not as Sarawakian or Sabahan. The trust and aspiration of the people that 1Malaysia will bring about a greater nation must not be hampered. Therefore, the government will have to deliver on all its promises. The concept unveiled is a guiding...

Words: 4333 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

One Malaysia

...Najib Tun Razak has made waves to all corners of the nation with the introduction of 1Malaysia concept. The concept evolves around culture of excellence, perseverance, acceptance, education, integrity, meritocracy, humility and loyalty. It also encompases NKRAs on six major issues. Since independent, national unity has been made top priority – unity in education, culture, socio-economy, political, regional, etc. 1Malaysia seeks to improve the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural backgrounds. There are certain major concerns that need to be addressed in order to seriously engage in 1Malaysia concept. Without correcting them, all efforts will be in vain. 1Malaysia concept caters the needs of all sector of the plural society and to ensure equal distribution of wealth between racial groups, between states and federal. Integrity on the part of the government and the public sector is one matter. The introduction of NKRAs and KPIs is a laudable move. The managing of all spectrums of unity (not just racial) is to be given proper thinking. In order to move Malaysia towards a better society, identity and future hence unity and integration should promote co-operation between race, beliefs and region as one Malaysia, not as Sarawakian or Sabahan. The trust and aspiration of the people that 1Malaysia will bring about a greater nation must not be hampered. Therefore, the government will have to deliver on all its promises. The concept unveiled is a guiding...

Words: 4333 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Affirmative Action, a Social Issue

...Opportunity and mandating that projects financed by federal funding would “take affirmative action” to ensure that hiring and employment practices were free of racial bias (Hudson). Two more executive orders in 1965 and 1968 prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, and gender, giving the federal government the power to enforce this prohibition (Hudson). However, in current times, affirmative action programs have suffered setbacks. Affirmative action in education has been abolished in Texas by court order, and in California and Washington it has been terminated by public referendum (Bybee). Currently, the main question concerning affirmative action is whether or not it is the best way to combat inequality. Also: What groups should or should not have affirmative action? When will the problem be “solved” and affirmative action no longer necessary? While the United States is divided between 49% of citizens supporting affirmative action programs and 43% opposing them, many Americans have a difficult time even defining what affirmative action is (Gallup 2003). The term ‘affirmative action’ includes laws, policies, and programs designed to reduce or eliminate inequality (Hudson). Inequality is also a difficult term to define, but the fact that significantly fewer women and minorities enjoy high paying jobs, attend prestigious universities, and reside in wealthy neighborhoods makes it clear that race and gender affect the availability of opportunities...

Words: 3091 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Intercultural Paper

...| | | Intercultural Paper | | | | | |Jennifer Minnerup | |September 15, 2011 | Jennifer Minnerup Bernadette Lewis Ivy 101 March 7, 2008 Minnerup 1 I choose this subject to write about because I think that it is still a big issue in the world today. This subject is a very touchy one in my family because my aunt is dating an African American man and my grandfather would have a heart attack if he ever found out. I think that this is an important issue still in the new age as it was in the old and I would like everyone to know it doesn’t really matter about your skin color it is about what you have to offer from inside. Interracial romance had been an issue in the United States since the first English settlers established the seventeenth century. Over the years, views toward interracial relationship in America have changed greatly. However, there are still many biases...

Words: 1546 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Racial Discrimination Against Asian Americans

...Exploring Racial Discrimination Against Asian Americans According to Whitlock and Bronski, hate is not the sole cause of things such as “racism, misogyny, homophobia, violence against transgender people, violence against disabled people, or economic cruelty” (Whitlock and Bronski 16). The first two chapters of Considering Hate introduces the concept of hate as a feeling that is not just a personal one, but one that is perpetuated further by the structure of society and popular culture. In the first two chapters of Considering Hate, the concept of hate is introduced as a feeling that is not just a personal one, but one that is perpetuated further by the structure of society and popular culture. Minority groups that have experienced instances...

Words: 1715 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Hoopa High School Research Paper

...Signature AssignmentCED 601Shari Hostler M.S.W.National University 2AbstractUsing restorative justice in schools is s growing tread compared to other ways to punish students for negative behavior. In the Native American culture it is important to make a negative consequence mendedand to give back and make a wrong decision right and to learn not only a culturalact but also to respect others in a spiritual way. 3Restorative justice is a growing alternative to other types of punishments in schools that involves culture. In the area that we live in, Northern California, Humboldt County we are rich with Native American culture which is being preserved through the local tribes in our area. The three biggest tribes in our area are Hoopa, Yurok and...

Words: 1512 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Social Issues

...What is diaspora? -    To scatter -    Bringing together old ideas – about diaspora - with new notions of ‘transnationalism’, ‘hybridity’ and ‘integration’ -    And language. -    What are the ‘traditional types’ of diaspora – victim, labour and imperial, trade and business, deterritorialised diasporas -    what other (newer) forms are there?  Economic, political (EU border issues). More modern notions that might not ‘fit’ traditional ideas of ‘diaspora’.  Even the word seems rather outdated now? -   Diaspora/transnational communities – relationships in the ‘hostland’, relationships with the ‘homeland’ – transnationalism and integration in the homeland TYPES Victim  Labour  Imperial  Trade  Deterritorialised New ideas   Characteristics of diaspora:  key features they have in common -     Dispersal: -      Or – Expansion -      Memory of homeland – idealisation of home. -      Idealisation of the ancestral homeland – -      Development of a return movement to the homeland – transnationalism. -      A strong ethnic group consciousness – based on distinctiveness, common history, common cultural and religious heritage -      ‘troubled’ relationship with host societies – integration – suggesting a lack of acceptance: Mazzucato research below. -      empathy with co-ethnic members in other countries of settlement. Aided by electronic communication, Skype, email, facebook, cheap phone calls, cheap flights. -      possibility of a distinctive...

Words: 3234 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

How Far Did the Position of Black Americans Improve in the Years 1945-1955?

...Progression of black rights during 1945-1955 can be clearly seen but was a long and slow process, although the awareness of racial equality dramatically increased. Various factors were involved. Factors such as: presidential involvement and the use of media post WW2.We also see improvements in education and NAACP. More importantly how the NAACP and southern states responded to these factors, later shaping the result to black civil rights. During this time America saw two presidents come to power: Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) and Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961). Both of which affected the civil rights movements in different ways. Truman who was vice president to Roosevelt was elected officially in 1948, Born in Missouri in the late 19th century he had been brought up in an area that saw racism towards coloured people as a natural occurrence, and this was also the case for Truman. Truman had first encountered blacks as family servants with his ancestors previously owning slaves. Truman had told his sweet heart Bess that: “One man is as good as another, “So long as he is honest, decent and not a Nigger or a Chinaman”. (Sanders, 2003, p60) So he is an unlikely candidate to eventually be bringing the lack of rights of the blacks to light and standing behind the civil rights movement later in his career. With the number of racial murders on the rise in the south, Truman set up and implemented a civil rights committee to produce a report “Secure These Rights” brought attention to the...

Words: 1798 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Students’ Construction of the Body in Physical Education

...Doctor of Philosophy in The Department of Kinesiology by Laura Azzarito B.S., Universita’ di Scienze Motorie di Torino, Italy, 1994 M.S., University of Maryland, College Park, 2000 December 2004 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I’m very grateful to all the students and teachers who are the subjects of this work. I greatly appreciate their willingness to participate in this research and the time they dedicated to all of the interviews and member checks. I also thank the principals who gave me permission to conduct this study. I especially acknowledge and thank physical education teachers Celeste Alfred, for welcoming me to her school, and Vickie Braud for her great help in making contacts necessary to complete my data collection. Both Vickie and Celeste were wonderful throughout my research process, helping me to observe classes and arrange student interviews at the schools. I greatly appreciate all the suggestions, insights and comments of my committee members. Thank you to all of them: Dr. Kuttruff, my external committee member, for her interest in following the steps of my dissertation; Dr. Magill, for bringing a very challenging and valuable perspective to my research; Dr. Lee, for her deep knowledge and expertise in the field of physical education; and Dr. Harrison, for his mentoring and expertise on issues of race and physical activity. Dr. Harrison, I have greatly appreciated, valued, and enjoyed all of our conversations (and in four years there were many) and sharing experiences...

Words: 64949 - Pages: 260

Premium Essay

Employment Law

...[Writer’s Name] [Institute’s Name] Introduction Employment law Employment law is the branch of law which governs the creation, operation and termination of employment, determines the mode of co-workers; the measure establishes safety and disposition of labour disputes. Labour law regulates not processes, and social relations of subjects of labour relations, that is, the social forms of labour. From this point of view of work of the scientist, inventor, writer, and other individual forms of labour are not subject to the regulation of labour law, as performed outside of public relations. Employment law contains rights and obligations of workers and employers. Employment law is characterized by a combination of centralized and local regulations. In the local regulations adopted by agreement of the parties shall be determined daily working hours, set at rest (break), consistent recording of leave and other issues in detail regulate the working conditions of employees. It is important that the rules of local acts do not conflict with federal law. The principle of equality has evolved into demands real equality of opportunity in all areas of life, necessitating the implementation of a full and comprehensive approach to gender equality. It has been important developments in the work related to equality, to equal results, because if people got only equal opportunity, not the liability of government and society in general to guarantee the result and the effectiveness of policies...

Words: 6483 - Pages: 26