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What are the actions we have taken?

During this unit we have taken lots of actions.

§  We wrote letters to wristband companies and asked them to donate wristbands to give out to people to raise awareness on racism. We got a reply, and now have some wristbands to give out on the night.

§  We wrote letters to religious leaders and asked them if they had any racism experiences. We did get a reply, but they said that they had not had any.

§  We have also created a pledge for people to sign at the exhibition. This pledge asks people to sign their name and say that they promise not to be racist.

§  We created a blog on racism to raise awareness through the internet. On the blog (http://aacskd98racism.blogspot.com) we have posted most our research and our questions.

§  On the night of the exhibition, we will give out brochures to people so they can learn more about racism and hopefully avoid being racist.

What are the different perspectives on Racism?

Everyone has a different perspective on racism and what they think it means. Some people think it means to be treated equally and no one’s better than anyone else. However some people think that racism is just another way to bully a person about their beliefs, nationality, and the colour of their skin, their culture or religion.

We did a survey to find out some more.

Q1. Do you think racism is right or wrong?

Results:

-        9 / 9 people think that racism is wrong.

Q2. Why do you think racism is right or wrong?

Results:

-         It’s mean

-         It’s a form of bullying

-         It treats people badly

-         All people are equal no matter what their beliefs, nationality, the colour of skin, culture and religion.  

-          ‘As creatures’ of the human race we all have similar morals making us equal 

-         Because it’s discrimination against people and it hurts their feelings.

Q3. What actions would you take if you saw someone being racist?

Results:

-         Say that’s a bit racist don’t you think?

-         Give the victim of racism a caring look

-         Actively discourage it

-         Tell then off

-         Tell them that’s it rude

-         Right their wrong

-         Tell them to stop and say sorry

-         Support the victim

-         Speak up

-         Discuss the issue with the person who is being racist

-         Stand up to the person who is subjected to racism

-         Go up and say that’s not very nice and everyone should be treated equally

Q4. Are the people around you racist?

Results:

-         5 answer no

-         4 answer yes,

·       Students at school  may be racist as a joke,

·        Students at school  may be unaware of their actions

·       People are still racist but nowhere near as much as in the past

Q5. Have you ever been affected by racism? If so how did it make you feel?

Results:

-         3 answer no, they hadn’t been affected by racism

-         3 people said yes, they had been affected by racism and it made them feel...

·       inferior towards other races

·       sad that people are judged on what they look like rather than who they are

·       like a outsider

·       sad and embarrassed

Q6. Have you ever been racist?

Results:

-         3 people answered no they had never been racist

-         6 people answered yes they has been racist but...

·       I didn’t mean to and didn’t understand

·       Meant it as a joke

·       Didn’t set out to hurt anyone

·       I had only used it as a stereotype

Q7. Has racism changed from when you were a child to now?

-         4 people answer N/A

-         5 people answer yes because...

·       Groups have changed who have experienced racism

·       There is more awareness on racism

·       There is more tolerance for people of different nationalities because there are more races around us now

·       People are much more conscious of racism and avoid being racist

·       Different colours of skin are more accepted today

What actions can we take to stop racism and ensure peace?

 

In history, there have been many examples of racism. People such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Ralph Bunche have acted against racism. So how can we continue their legacy? Here are some tips:

If someone is being racist to you there are lots of things you can do

§  Don’t accept the abuse, because you are not the one with the problem.

§  Always make sure you tell someone what is happening.

§  Keep evidence (such as a diary) of what is happening.

§  Try to stick with a group of friends if you aren’t confident to be alone with the person.

§  Be prepared to speak up and don’t fight back!

§  Think about confronting the person.

§  Don’t give up!

If you want to reduce the effect of racism then first you have to start small

§  Try first to end racism in your family and friendships. You can do this in many simple ways. Explain about racism and how it is wrong –your family and friends may not know this.

§  Also, small things like interrupting offensive jokes and saying you don’t want to hear them.

§  In schools, supporting victims of racism can make a big difference.

Also, try to include racism in education. If you are a teacher, talk to your class and get them to discuss racism. If you are a student, get involved in anti-racism in projects (that you choose your own topic). The best way to raise awareness is through education.

Sometimes you are racist without noticing or meaning to

To avoid being racist

§  Always make sure you are aware of how people might be affected by your actions and words.

§  Be sensitive about other people and understand the human rights.

 Simple actions like these can really make a difference.

Some people say we can’t stop racism because there will always be someone who is racist. There are lots of theories such as “racism breeds racism”, and that you can’t stop racism. These are both true and false. Racism will not end until we all believe it is wrong. When people who create racism become educated about it, they will hopefully stop their actions and that can hopefully create peace.

Who has Taken Action Towards Racism and What were there strategies?

ROSA PARKS

Rosa Parks was born to a carpenter father and a teacher mother. When she was two her parents separated and Rosa went to live with her grandma until she was eleven. When she attended primary school African American’s did not have the rights they have today. She dropping out of collage to care for her ill Grandma and later married Raymond Parks she became active in the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People).Rosa worked as a seamstress, and to get to work she rode a bus. In Rosa’s time, African Americans were not allowed to sit at the front of the bus. Sometimes they would pay the bus driver their fair, get out to get on at the front of the bus, and the bus driver would drive off before they re-entered the bus. On December 1st, 1955 after a tiring day working, Rosa was riding home. The driver asked her and three other African Americans to move down for the white passengers. The other three moved but Rosa refused. The police officer came, arrested her and sent her to jail. She was bailed out that afternoon. When the incident happened she decided to stand up for her rights. She was tired of being treated unfair. A group was formed for a boycott of the buses. This meant that African Americans would refuse to ride on the buses until the laws were changed. They did this for 381 days. In that time African American churches were bombed and Martin Luther King JR was assassinated. Finally on November 13th, 1956 the laws were changed and the boycott was over. Rosa was awarded many honours for her courage. A museum in Montgomery, Alabama was dedicated to her. Rosa sadly passed away on October 24, 2005 at the age of 92. Her casket was placed at the USA capital for two days - an honour usually only for when a president dies. People waited for days in long lines to pay their respects. Today African Americans are free to sit wherever they like thanks to the courage of Rosa Parks.

Rosa Parks Strategies:

We think that Rosa Parks’s strategies were that she was confident and encouraging; she encouraged all the African Americans to boycott buses. She also encouraged others that it was wrong. She was confident in not only standing up to the bus driver but also confident in what she believed.

RALPH BUNCHE
Ralph Bunche was an African America born in 1904. By the time he was 11 both his parents had died. In the mid 1960’s he said ‘I am a Negro I am also an American, this is my country. I own and share it … My Ancestors helped create it, to build it, to make it strong, great and rich. All of this belongs to me as much as it belongs to any American with his white skin.’ He was not in any record at school even though he was smart. Ralph Bunche was the first African American to get a graduate degree in Political Science from Harvard, as well as being a founding member of the United Nations. He was also the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950. In 1949, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People) awarded him the highest honour – the Spingarn Medal. It was said that on his death “He belonged to every nation on earth that yearns for peace”

His Strategy:

He was smart and truly believed in what he was doing and he also had a very convincing speeches.

MARTIN LUTHER KING

Martin Luther King JR grew up in the time that it was illegal for African Americans to go to a “white” restaurant or go to a “white” school. Dr King fought for the rights of African Americas. After Rosa Parks was arrested in 1955, Dr King started a bus boycott. He urged people to walk instead of taking the bus. Martin Luther King JR is most famous for his “I Have a Dream” speech. This speech talked about Martin Luther King JR’s dream of equality. He was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1964. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968.

His Strategies:

We think one of martin Luther King strategies were his speech. It was effective and created more of an awareness on the issue he was fighting for (African Americans Rights)

MUM SHIRL

Colleen Shirley Perry was an Aboriginal woman who worked hard to improve the lives of others and the rights of Aboriginal people. She was named ‘Mum’ by her friends because she was like a mother to everyone. Born in Erambie Mission, Cowra, NSW, she was christened and a member of the Wiradjun nations.

Mum Shirl learned from her grandfather, who she called Budjarn about the importance of loving others and helping others in needy times. Those lesions helped her care for others and it became her life’s work.

Mum Shirl had epilepsy which made it hard for her to attended school regularly. Because of this, she was unable to read or write properly. She appreciated it when the people care for her, and wanted to care for others too.

Mum Shirl moved to Redfern, Sydney in the 1930’s. Here she married Darcy Smith and had a daughter. This daughter later lived with Darcy’s parents in Kempsey after she and Darcy Separated.

Mum Shirl’s brother was often in prison. When she went to visit him, he would ask her to visit others who felt lonely. She passed on messages from the prisoners to their families, and continued to do this well after her brother was released. She was the first woman to be awarded a Golden Pass by the NSW department of Corrective Services in 1976. She was allowed to visit any prisoner at any time thanks to this award.

Mum Shirl earned her title ‘The Black Saint of Redfern’. She deserved this, because she cared for everyone, helped others and even cared for children whose parents were unable to care for them. She also gave talks to non-Aboriginal people about racism and prejudice.

For her work Mum Shirl received many awards: A Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, Australian Parent of the Year, Medal of the Order of Australia (AM), Aboriginal of the Year, and NAIDOC Senior Aboriginal of the Year. Mum Shirl was named Australia’s 100 Nations Living Treasures in 1998. She unfortunately died that year. She is remembered for her courage and ability, and standing up for what she believed in. 

          

What are the Causes of Racism?

Racism is one of the most common issues in humanity. It haunts our past and can degrade our future. Many people on earth don't know what causes racism, yet most of us are racist. To give racism a smaller effect we need to find the causes and fix them. These are six of many causes of racism.

Upbringing: Parents have a significant effect on what their child believes and what they think. Every time the parent says or reacts harshly towards someone of a different race, they are giving their child a message that racism is the right thing to do. Hate comes from your family and is hard to change; it can also become a part of your personality and who you are.

Peer Pressure: Your friends can have the same affect on you as your parents do. You have chosen these people to be your friends so you are likely to listen to them. Therefore you are more likely to agree with what they are saying about things like people from different races. This can lead you to becoming racist.

Personal Experiences: If someone from a certain race has assaulted you, you are more likely to have fear towards people of that race. This is normal; it is natural for people to react this way. It is the same as when a colleague or friend betrays you, you are likely to have an opinion on that person’s race or culture. It is hard not to be racist because of these experiences; it goes against your survival instinct.

Stereotypes: Stereotyping is a common cause of racism. It is expressed through television, radio, internet, music and books. The result they have can make more people become stereotypes. When a person of a young age is exposed to stereotypes or to groups who are stereotyped they will assume that all are like this. Also, when a recourses it displaying a race in a negative way they will think the same way as stereotypes.

Unfamiliarity: One of the most common causes of racism is unfamiliarity. Some people become fearful of what they don't know or understand. If a child has grown up with people from only their race, then the child is more likely to become racist towards that race. This is not always the case but when someone has been given negative stereotypes, and doesn't have the life experience of being around people from a different race, the person is more likely to be racist. This is why it is really important for children to be around people from different races: to ensure that their minds adapt and to make sure they don't believe in false stereotypes in the future.

Selfishness: Selfishness is another cause of racism. We can become very selfish as humans, caring only about our self and our race. If a child is not taught to respect others then the likely-hood of them becoming racist increases. People who are caring and not selfish are more likely not to be racist.

What is Racism?

Racism is when you are racist to someones culture, beliefs, religion and self image, it can be very hurtful. Racism is not something that just happens, we create it.It is descrimitation and a form of bulling.

Introduction

Hi everyone,
We are 3 students from Lloyd St Primary School in East Malvern Melbourne. Our names are Aristea, Charlotte and Kristina. For our final year at Lloyd St we are doing a PYP (Primary Years Program) Exhibition on Peace and  Conflict Resolution, we are inquiry into Racism. We thought it would be fun if we started a blog on racism to get more people aware of the issue. We hope you learn a lot from our blog and change the way you think about racism. :)