Racial Literacy: Reflection on Discrimination and Identity

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October 23, 2018
RACIAL LITERACY
Discrimination in the United States has been rife since the colonial era. It continues to
persist even in the present times. Blacks, for example, have continued to suffer from racial
prejudice them by the whites(Jones, 2018). The ability to resolve, recast and read racially
stressful encounters is referred to as racial literacy. Racial literacy is quite important especially
for individuals living in societies where discrimination by race is high. This paper presents a
reflection on my racial literacy.
If someone asked a question like what are you? I would look them in the eye disdainfully
and walk away to avoid any physical confrontations. Such a question would sound offensive and
disrespectful. I feel bad about this question because it shows a lack of respect for the human race.
I have never been discriminated against, but I have seen some of my colleagues being
discriminated against especially in the wake of police brutality against some members of the
African American community. I have also never discriminated against anyone. I strongly believe
that it is not the right thing to. As an individual who has seen people suffer because of
discrimination, I understand what it feels (InterNations, 2018).
I believe that races are a creation of the mind and that such does not exist. Since the
concept of race cannot be proved genetically, I believe that the existence of different races is
only a social construction that cannot be proved scientifically. One of my philosophies is that no

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race is superior to the other since all individuals are made of same genetic composition. My other
principle is that no person deserves to be discriminated by their racial identity.
My Korean Culture has played a leading role in the shaping of my identity. Growing up
in the Korean Society, I acquired the Society’s attitudes and values. Through constant
interactions with members of the Society, I have been able to acquire my current identity. As a
social being, my beliefs, behavior, and knowledge have been acquired from the social groups I
have grown up(Stevenson, and Stevenson,2014). For example, my Korean culture has
introduced me to certain customs and beliefs that have impacted how I perceive the world around
me. It has affected how I socialize, my choice of friends, career, and clothing among others. The
larger world has also played a role in shaping my identity(El Dib, 2013).
I first learnt about race in my early years in School. I first learnt about the black and
white races from one of my teachers. The race was often talked about in my home. Sometimes I
heard my parents complain about how racial discrimination had become such a big social issue
in Korea. Race was also talked about in my school. I feel quite uneasy when talking about race
because I do not believe in racism ( Rex,2018).
To me, Culture is simply the way of life for a group of people. A people’s culture
represents their beliefs, customs, and social behaviors. I grew around people who spoke my
language, resembled me and had similar customs as mine. At no instance have I felt out of place
because of any aspect related to my culture, class, sexuality, gender, religion or
ethnicity(Schwartz et al.,2010).
I am a big fan of literature books. I read widely and wildly. To me, any good book is
worth reading irrespective of the culture, ethnicity or race of the individual who has written it. I