Through a historical lense, we see that we cannot get rid of racism indefinitely. The very definition of "racism" is "discrimination & prejudice against someone else based on the belief one-self is more superior". Throughout history, from the falling out of Cain & Abel, even today, we see that racism plays out indefinitely. Some examples to be given can come from:
<u>American Civil War & the years surrounding it:</u>
Generally said as a fight to "preserve the Union", but one of the major reasons was to end slavery (racism against African Americans as they were seen as lower than whites). Afterwards, the KKK was created to continue the racism & make sure that the African Americans cannot use their rights.
The way that racism was dealt here was the usage of Union soldiers to protect the used-to-be-slaves & their new found rights, as well as the creation of Freedmen's Bureau, etc.
<u>Chinese massacre in California</u>:
As the population of Chinese grew throughout the 1800s (during the gold-rush), many whites developed an anti-chinese sentiment, and persecuted (as well as go as far as murdering them), which led to a genocide.
<u>World War I & II</u>
During these wars, we see racism occur during the Roosevelt days, as he placed Japanese-Americans in internment camps to "make sure that they were not a threat". However, this was against their right, and they were treated extremely poorly.
<u>Civil Rights Movement</u>
Led by Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, & other leaders strived for equal rights between African Americans & whites. They used many tactics, some peaceful (such as the movements started by Martin Luther King), and others were violent (such as the movements started by Malcolm X). In the end, most of the message went across, and they were given equal rights under the John F. Kennedy & Lyndon B. Johnson administration. However, having equal rights is not the same as being able to exercise equal rights.
<u>Today</u>
Even today, we see racial inequality (though not as public as before). People are judged based on appearance, thoughts & actions, etc. Generally the best way is to not give a false sense of oneself to another person that allows the person to misjudge you. When asked, you should be polite but set the record straight with the person. Remember that this is part of history (which means it has occurred before), and likely would continue. If you could, educate them, and let them understand you. If it does not work, try to ignore, and in the end, report to the right authority for help, support, and advice.
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