Does Reverse Racism Exist?

What is racism? Many consider it as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior, and continues to be a world issue. Recently however, there has been an argument called reverse racism. This is a concept made by society to explain in further detail about racism against people of European descent. “I don’t think there is any racial bias. I do believe there are some unfair racial bias, but then again there is always a bias, whether it be racial, religious, or gender.” I hear racial remarks almost everyday but the ones made against white people is rare,” Owen Fortey ‘20 said.
The thought continues, however, how can people change the prejudices that have held for centuries? The answer is that it is incredibly difficult due to the fact that people tend dislike change and remain within social confinements. In today’s society, many people in the United States are working towards making changes towards equality for everyone. An example of people working towards reducing racial discrimination is in the field of education. Many schools such as Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Western Oregon University, and more emphasize the importance of encouraging diversity in the field of higher education. Scholarships for people of color are also a key way for students who may face adversity based on their ethnic background to be able to have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
“Racism is a morally wrong thing to do, moreover I believe that racism will sadly never end, but we can always try to be better people.”Jesus Martinez ‘19 said.
Despite the fact that some people argue that people are not born with racist thoughts, but learn them as they get older, research shows that results in the doll test that may say otherwise. The doll test, performed by Kenneth and Mamie Clark in 1940 on children from ages three to seven, takes an african american doll and asks children to compare it to a caucasian doll. When asked which of the two were the safest, smartest, and prettiest,  most children responded with negativity towards the black doll. Although this research is slightly outdated, its results could still be seen in today’s society.
“I think racism is a disgrace to humanity. We all bleed the same, we all come from the same origin, and we all have a different story to share,”Pricila Tinajero ‘19 said. ” There is no reason to be disrespectful or to hurt others whether it be physically, emotionally or mentally. We are all different in our own ways and we should be able to embrace it without the fear of being judged.”