HONOR SOCIETY RACISM SPEECH

By:Shika Bitkuri

If the universe is like water and you flow with it you will be led to where you need to be. Don’t try to transform the environment around you , rather let the diversity within you  outshine the stereotypes held against you.  Don’t submerge yourself into something you are not. I put a thought into the universe asking for a direction, like a drop of water hitting the surface the waves rippled and drew me into my motherland, India.  

Growing up I used to be embarrassed about being Indian American, I dreamed of living the life of others. From my note worthy name, to my brown skin nothing seemed to fit in. I remember one trip that transformed my silly thought process, by the end I felt grateful for the experiences and regretful for neglecting my heritage. That summer visit to India changed my life; I had a better understanding of who I am and where I was going. I realized how grateful I was for the people, the sounds, the flavors, the friendship, the family—for experiencing this extraordinary gift we call life.

I learned to use my background in forms of strength and reassurance. If my grandparents can face war—I too can fight through my hardships. If my parents neglected prejudice— I too can develop arms toward stereotypes held against me.  I learned that where I’ve come from does not determine who I become. I have learned to use my background as a mechanism to help me drive through my life. I have learned to fight through my hardships, rather than surrender.

 I have learned that we are not a melting pot we are a salad bowl, that fails to merge, mix and mingle. No citizen should ever feel the need transform themselves, merely to fit in society. I see America as two faced, we hold up our constitution and say we are equal. Yet, to this day some Americans don’t believe in suffrage for all.  

We are not born with hate, hate is taught and instilled within us. If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love. If people can be taught to torment they can be taught to bring peace. Our country needs a shift in the mindsets of individuals.  We see improvements in economics and politics, but what about the nativist mindsets of individuals . From Ferguson to Tyre King, what truly has changed? Laws have changed but the racism in this country, has not. To this day we see people being labeled as terrorists and animals when in reality they are no different than you and I. A woman wearing a hijab should be treated no differently than a woman wearing trousers. A man wearing a kippah should be treated no differently than a man wearing a baseball cap. It is  hard to find pride in your ethnicity when media and narrow minded people only see one side of  who you are.

I remember when Nina Davuluri became Miss America.  Instead of receiving bouquets of flowers she received buckets of hate. I remember watching her and feeling a sense of pride, but then all the sudden her victory was met with words harder than rocks. These rocks were thrown to inflict pain and cause harm. These rocks were not only thrown at her, they were thrown at those who share her story and background. Those rocks although not directly intended for me, left me in dismay.  

When will the cycle end? We have had racism and we have had organizations developed to combat racism. What is missing in this continuous cycle? Why are mass movements not enough, why are organizations not enough? When will there be a solution to the pressing concern? Sadly there will never be a firm ending to racism until the majority shake hands with the minorities.

Knowledge is often viewed as power. With this power — I hope you seek pride in who you are regardless of your background and  I hope you seek for change, unity and strength in our community.