Racial tension is one of the biggest problems in the United States today. This has been an internal problem in the country for many centuries and has caused racial conflicts and disunity among the people. Many believe that racism is a thing of the past. However, racial tensions are still rampant in this nation and many others. These types of problems affect all of us, especially minorities. If issues of discrimination and racial tension are not resolved, minorities are likely to feel treated differently. The key thing is not to neglect the different races and cultures present in the community, but to embrace our differences and have mutual respect between races to live in harmony. As youth advocates, institutions should encourage mutual understanding and tolerance between races by organizing a Racial Harmony Week event that brings together people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to participate in activities that promote mutual understanding and respect between students of all races and cultures. Although there has been a significant improvement in racial tensions in recent decades, many people are still racist and this, in turn, leads to racial tension. According to statenews.com, several racial incidents have occurred on the Michigan State University campus. The statenews.com article also reported an incident in which students found a piece of paper with derogatory comments on the dorm door of a 20-year-old student. A few days after the incident, students found another racial incident, this time a racial slur on a wall in Butterfield Hall, which is one of MSU's buildings. There was also a black doll hanging by the neck in the Biomedi... middle of paper... so well documented that after listing a few, it begins to seem redundant. However, according to recent US Census statistics, the median income of black families is approximately $38,000 compared to $62,000 for whites (2009), which represents a stark difference (“The”). Likewise, other minority groups such as Hispanics also see an average income gap compared to the income of white Americans. All in all, Racial Harmony Week is a positive event for students, staff and the community as a whole. Not only does it help the community immerse itself in a deeper understanding and respect for other cultures, but it also brings the community together to work and participate in events. Through research and event preparation, students and staff will also be more knowledgeable about other races and cultures and will have the idea of racial harmony more deeply instilled in their minds.
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