Research About Racism

Racism is an important, but serious issue that comes up in Running Loose. Lednecky, the coach of Trout’s football team, feels that the only way to win against Salmon River is to hit Washington, and African American boy, hard enough where he will get hurt and be out for the rest of the game. Lednecky also think that African Americans dominate in sports and there is no way to beat them unless they are unable to play. That is not a kind way to think.

What is racism? A belief that race accounts for difference in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others; discrimination or prejudice based on race (Mifflin)

Facts About Racism –
· 75% of all racism in this country is not intended.
· African Americans ages 12 are the most victimized group in America.
· Unemployment for African Americans is about twice as big as Whites (Jaeger).
· In 1993 7 out of 10 fights were motivated by racism (Jaeger).
· African Americans make up 12% of the population, but 48% of the prison inmates (Jaeger).

My Thoughts On Racism – I think that racism is all wrong. It is not fair to treat people a different way because of their skin color. Everyone should be treated equal. I know that a lot of the time someone will say something racist, but not even realize they did. It has probably happened to everyone before by mistake. I feel that everyone should be more careful on what they say about someone of a different race. If everyone would just think about what they are going to say before they say it, we might eliminate some of the racism that is said my mistake. Just think about it. How would you like it if someone was purposely being rude to you because of how you looked? I know I would get very upset if someone talked to me like that. I think that it is good that Chris Crutcher wrote a book with racism in it. That way the readers will start to be more aware of people’s behavior towards others around them. Overall, I think racism is a very bad thing that we should start to take action against. Even if it’s as little as telling someone you see saying something to another person, of a difference race, to stop.