Collections of Stories that Address the Nature of Racism and Discrimination

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The world is a home to a culturally diverse population. Each culture has their own beliefs, values, and truth that provide us with knowledge and a deeper appreciation of ourselves. We live in the age of Globalization in which culture should not be an issue. Discrimination and Racism plant borders between cultures. Everyone becomes blind to the fact that they are all part of one race, the human race. Differences of color and beliefs should not set us apart from each other, everyone is unique, and these differences should be valued. If it weren’t for these differences, every day would be the same, there would be no new information to learn, nothing to gain. Coming from different backgrounds, everyone wants to be respected and welcomed into new communities, and not excluded. Accepting differences makes a society a home with everyone getting along, bringing balance to the community with freedom and equality.

There are many collections of stories that address the nature of Racism and discrimination, alienating the main characters of their own identities, and facing hardships to find their places. In the short story, “Swimming Lessons”, by Mistry, the story is focused on an Indian immigrant’s life, which originally from Bombay moves to Toronto, facing issues of Racism. Kersi, the immigrant struggles to fit in with the new community as a brown colored immigrant. He is stereotyped due to his appearance and looked down upon. Racism brings a fear to us, in that we are unable to acknowledge ourselves, and Kersi begins to fear rejection. Unfair generalizations are thrown on cultures, making the people victims. Cultural borders should be erased, as they cause problems with an individual’s self-identity. Mistry’s short story shows emotional ...

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... stories and novels, which teach us that Racism is nothing but a poison creating many infections, destroying peace and harmony between individuals. The wall of Racism needs to be torn down, and differences need to be assembled to obtain peace. Diversity is what makes the world interesting, each culture offering positive aspects. As Martin Luther King has said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Our National identity provides us all with a significant quality and ability to accept differences and create new relationship and practices. As citizens all of us hold roles in strengthening our societies, by establishing bonds of respect. Racist behaviors can be modified if we take on the positive roles, and create the energy of equality.

Works Cited

Munro, Alice. (1968). Boys And Girls

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