Breanna Thompson 9/4/13 Journal #1

Q: How do I and people around me support or remain complacent when it comes to race and racism? Observe and describe this phenomena. What do you want to do about it? Why?

Sometimes people take race and racism as a joke. They dont realize that it is hurtful and how it effects the people around them. Many racist things happen but one that stuck out to me the most is the things and actions that have happened at Alta High School, in article; (Sandy Student calls KKK prank racist, upsetting). In this article a student decided to where a white hood that was pointed, completed with eye holes. Alta High Schools administration takes charge, they do an immediate investigation. Though they administration supposedly tries to make a change, the students of Alta High School still continue with being racist. The students continue to set a bad reputation on Alta High as they continually do and act racially towards colors. In article: (Settlement reached over allegations of racism at Alta High), a student made a hangmans noose out of athletic tape, the student later said to an African American student isnt it funny that thirty years ago you would be hanging from one of these trees? A nearby coach, after hearing what the boy had said to the African American, he did nothing but tell the African American to suck it up. There where claims that a white supremacist gang, that called themselves Rawhide, which targeted minority students. Another incident that happened was a text message sent with a picture of the Klansman and a cross burning behind him saying Alta Pride. These incidents prompted an investigation by the Canyons School District. They have settled with the African American student, who pressed charges, neither side admits any liability. This example shows that even when actions are supposedly taken there are no real consequences that changes the actions of racism. Many schools take gangs and gang violence very seriously and always cease to take action, so why hasnt Alta High School taken action on the uncalled for racist gang of Rawhide. Most of the time gang members are expelled from school and some charges are filed that include jail time but the article says nothing about these students getting in trouble for these actions they are taking against minority students. In the article; (Charges likely in After School Beating Case), assault charges and a possible hate crime enhancement charge against a sixteen year old suspect that beat up a thirteen year old African American student in Santaquin. It was said that the older boy constantly laughed at the younger boy because of the color of his skin. I found it interesting that Utahs hate crime law doesnt identify a so called protected class of people by race, religion, or gender. It seems that our society likes to blame the victim in racial crimes like this one where the mother says it was both of them. They both threw remarks. It was nice to find that some people consider racism offensive as I found in the article; (Offensive and Racist Letter in Richfield Outrage Community), a letter was posted on several homes warning people that an African American family would be moving into their neighborhood soon. The neighbors who received this letter where appalled by this letter and found it to be insulting. They were surprised that someone in there town would do something

Breanna Thompson 9/4/13

like this as a joke. Many residents of Richfield said comments like Its disgusting, its not how we raise our kids here and it kind of seemed like a cruel joke, but its not funny because Richfield isnt like that. Others felt the letter should have never been put on their doors. Hopefully they will be able to find the person that put the letters on the doors because a homeowner has a black and white image from there surveillance camera that may be the person behind the letter. The Richfield police are taking action by asking for any additional information of the person who may be responsible. When I looked for articles closer to my home, I found one about Magna; (Man Claims Unified Police Officer Made Racial Remark), where a Unified Police Officer used racial intimidation against a man from Bosnia. The Police Officer told the man Yes I do have a right and you want to go back to your country if you dont know your rights. The man who was pulled over found this comment coming from a Police Officer was shocking and infuriating. The man then told the Police Officer that he was recording it and the officer changed his tone and became very nice. The Unified Police said there has not been a formal complaint against the Police Officer, but they are looking into this incident. Its sad to think that a Police Officer would think that telling someone to return to their own country is acceptable for someone in his position. Race and Racism should never be part or used by any Police Officer or any personal. After reading these articles, I found it sad that the larger Salt Lake area seemed to be complacent about racism than the smaller towns in Utah. The Richfield Police Force investigated and seemed to take more action, where the Unified Police Force didnt take much action as well as the Canyon School District for the Alta High School incidents. I would have thought that the Salt Lake area would have actively pursued racism more than they did in these articles and that people would have consequences for what they did. I will share with my friends and family about these racial incidents that are happening around in Utah and discuss how racism is not acceptable. I will listen and ask them about their views on race and racism. I think its unfair when people are treated differently just because of the color of their skin. I find it disgusting when people judge others by the color of their skin. It is definitely wrong when someone is physically or emotionally hurt by what other people say or do, and its even more remorseful that in some cases action are not taken.