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Most legal definitions of race were devices to prevent blacks from attending white schools, serving on juries, holding certain jobs, or patronizing certain public places. Last but not least we have social lines, which defines race as the decisive one in most interactions. It pays little attention to an individual’s hereditary physical features or to whether his or her percentage of “Negro Blood” is one fourth, one eighth, or one sixteenth. According to social definitions of race, if a member of a certain race and others respond to that person as a member of that race, it makes little sense to say that he or she is not a member of that race. Although we have progressed to a more “open-minded” society, there are some issues that need to be cleared. There’s a case of discrimination and racial tension going on that need to be brought to a head. Many of these actions are taken place upon minorities. To a certain extent, our society is still segregated. We as believers of Christ needs to learn to accept each other for who we are and not for the color of one’s skin. Some still see our society as a racist society. The past years of the 60’s and 70’s were to open doors for blacks and other minorities. Freedom marches were held, sit-ins, and different protest movements were held to fight for freedom and equal justice. Many would say that the battle has been won but I often find myself asking myself, “Do we really have freedom”. Blacks and other minorities would say that we are on level three on a scale of one to five. We’ve accomplished level one, which was a key to unlock the doors of opportunity. We gained opportunity by winning he battles of fighting for equality among all races. The next step was the ability to work and gain experience. We finally got the chance to work among every member of society. Now we are here at level three where there is a standstill upon minorities. I personally feel as though too many minorities are to content with the positions we hold today. It seems as though many are satisfied as long as they’re in the door. The fourth step is positions, which lack minorities. Eight out of ten high whites hold ranked positions among businesses and company’s today. I feel as if some blacks are in position today because companies feel threatened by racial tension and must place a minority somewhere in rank. We need to all struggles as one to reach the final step of equal justice. We have to make the best out of the world and not let the world get the best of us. When God created man, he did not create superior man, middleman, or low man, we are all the same in the eyes of the beholder. We have no option than to live with each other therefore we need to learn to live with each other. Some may feel as if we are still divided among one another through education. Most college universities are predominately white or black. Colleges that are predominately white with small accounts of minorities often face race relation problems. In the past years, the issue of black ”theme houses” has gained racial tension. The “theme houses” are designed so that blacks could have a separate place to come together and congregate amongst themselves. I myself do not see a problem wit it. I feel like it’s good foe the fact that blacks (minorities) does not make over one-fourth of a predominately white populated school. Society feels as though there is no need for them. Many ask the question “How can we stop racial tension and come together as one if we continue to segregate ourselves from one another. The situation can go both ways. I agree that we have to stop segregating ourselves before we can make a closer move to peace. We first have to stop criticizing each other and pointing fingers at one another. Every time a black fails to gain success, they blame the white man. Blacks feel as if society wants them to get no higher than a middle class range. At the same time, when we gain success, were quick to say that it’s because we’ve struggled for so long that it is about time we gained acknowledgement and yet another success for our race. Just as the book states, “mistakenly we credit black pride for our success and blame prejudice for our shortfalls”. Not everyday in life you’ll meet your goal. By not doing so does not mean you have the right to bring the situation to a racial view. On the other hand, black “theme houses” may be a good thing. For one it helps motivate the next person to stay focused regardless of what people put you through in your face. If you are constantly picked on (not just an individual but minorities as a whole), you will need the comfort and strength to look ahead. It's’ good to socialize with one another. I feel as if its designed to keep some type of interest among minority groups. There are many colleges that do not promote many functions held for African Americans and other minority students. It’s as though they are hardly recognized. You have to keep students interested and involved in school. It doesn’t matter if they’re black, white, red, or green, were all created from the same God.. This also goes for predominately black colleges. If the white minorities were to create a white “theme house” it should not be a problem. It’s a way to gain comfort within the group. Therefor they’ll feel comfortable around the vast majority. You have segregated groups all over. I for not see a problem with them. I feel as though society blows situations out of proportion. I think that’s the reason for a lot of problems we face today. Societies feel the need to make situations bigger than what they really are. In my opinion, “theme houses” are just like sororities and fraternities. It’s an organization to show love towards your fellow brother or sister. You don’t see whites joining black fraternities or sororities, nor do you see blacks joining white fraternities or sororities. At the same time you’re not labeled as prejudice. My point is, it’s the same case in both situations so why is the issue of black “the me houses” such an issue. If people stop looking for things that can cause racial expressions we would be a better off society. If blacks are not causing violence or expressing racial gestures or exposing themselves as racists then “theme houses” should be allowed without a problem. If they were expressing signs of racism from the theme houses then yes, they should be abolished. As long as society allow racism to go on it will go on. For instance, Birmingham is known for the city where segregation, freedom walks, boycotts, and other civil right movements were held. People are now amazed at how we are now living in unity among each other. I myself never thought Birmingham would be a normal united place to stay. I’m not stating that it’s just perfect but its wonderful compared to our brutal past. I also question these thoughts. Now we all preach for our country to be free of racism. I question the issue of them allowing the Ku Klux Klan to perform a rally three months ago outside the state courthouse. Everyone knows the purpose of the Ku Klux Klan. So if we’re trying to keep peace, why allow them to perform such behavior. Yes everyone has the right of freedom of speech (5th amendment), but certain activities should not be allowed. Only if they’re to strengthen our society. If such groups or an organized activity (such as “theme houses”) is a threat to society, then should we raise conflict and demand that they are suspended. I’m not saying it’s good to be segregated but if that’s all they have to offer then accept it. If they did not permit theme houses, it would be a problem. They would make an argument that the college is prejudice and have a racial state of mind. Whether you allow them or not, everyone is going to have an opinion so why not allow them look at it as a positive activity amongst black college students. Bibliography: . If they did not permit theme houses, it would be a problem. They would make an argument that the college is prejudice Word Count: 1461
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