When someone thinks of racism, a definition automatically pops into his or her head, but his or her definition is not always the same as another’s. It all depends on the perspective someone has on racism.

“[My definition of racism is] thinking that your race is better than another one and discriminating against another race,” Trey Jagiella’s (10) said.

Some people think that people are racist without knowing the whole truth about a race.

“People are ignorant enough to believe if you’re Muslim you’re automatically a terrorist, and if you’re brown, you’re Muslim. People just assume it, but I’m actually Hindu,” Ami Sanghvi (12) said.

People sometimes do not realize joking around about something personal, like one’s race, can be taken too far.

“People crack jokes about me being Asian, but they don’t know it really hurts me,” Andrew Chung (12) said.

On the other hand, people choose to not let racist comments get them down.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal; I don’t let it get to me,” Caine Stachelski (11) said.

Everyone will always have their own perspective on racism, but unless you have experienced the same things they have, everyone’s opinion will be different.

“If I hear something stereotypical, I don’t always assume it’s true,” Jagiella said.

Teachers and principals are willing to help anyone who feels they are being bullied racially.

“[We] have kids report [racism] to either teachers or to administrators. Time doesn’t make it stop- actions from adults make it stop,” Mr. Tim Powers, assistant principal, said.

Racism is not going to go away any time soon; we can minimize the effects at our school by starting an anti-racist club and hanging racism awareness posters around the school. Take some advice from Mr. Powers, and think twice before you judge someone based on his or her race.

“I judge people by the content of their character not by their race, creed or color of their skin,” Mr. Powers said.