Race Interview

Abstract

My good friend Kia Holloway, tells about her experiences with dealing with racism during the sixties and how opinions on race have changed. She explains how most people dealt with race when she was a young child and how she would handle these types of situations now. She gives insight on the ideas and thoughts behind racism and how many African American felt and dealt with this discrimination.


Research

Many people were afraid to speak up against discrimination based on race. Scared either to be assaulted or thrown in jail. Many figures such as Martin Luther King Jr had difficulty finding people to stand up against these problems. King found ways to convince people to stand with him. He did so by both making speeches and by going to jail himself to prove that the cause was worth the punishment.


Sources

http://1960sracism.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_from_Birmingham_Jail

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm



Interview

RS: Hi, I’m gonna start by asking you your date of birth.

KH: My date of birth is November 5, 1959.

RY: Okay, and in our experience what are the major changes in the way people talk about race from the 1960s to now?

KH: Now they talk about race as if it was a fad, um and that its going to change just because someone is talking about it more. Now it is more socially acceptable to speak about the subject of racism and to verbally express out loud to social media or to anybody who will listen.

RS: Okay so back in the sixties for a white person to say the N word it wasn't as big of a deal as it would be now, right?

KH: I would have to say that it was a big deal, as equally a big deal then and now. However, its increased in size and venom.

RS: And have you ever found yourself judging people based on race?

KH: Yes

RS: Could you give an example of a time when you found yourself doing that?

KH: All the time.

RS: All the time, do you think, like when you first meet a person that it happens more often or do you find yourself doing it with people that you know. Like you’re more friend with,  that you know  about their life and their experiences?

KH: I would have to say that it happens on a more general basis, because I think its different levels to racism even though, or being a racist or using the word. For me, I'll have to say that it's the blatant racism, then there’s stereotypes and then there are tendencies. And so for me its not a racist where I wouldn't talk to somebody or I would treat them negatively because of our small race skin color differences. Mine would be more stereotypes and tendences, because it just happens to be a cultural item or thing.

RS: Difference?

KH: Difference!

RS: Instead of skin differences more of cultural...

KH: Because most stereotypes are actual truths in general. Good or bad.

RS: And I'm sure that you've witnessed someone being treated unfairly based on their race, especially in the sixties.

KH: Yes I have.

RS: And how did you react to that and how would you react to it now?

KH: In the sixties when witnessing the or experience something racist towards me it was that you just keep quiet, keep ur head down, and just accept it for what it is. There’s nothing you could do about it, except keep quiet and make it to the next thing.

RS: And what about now?

KH: Ask me the question again.

RS: How would you react now if you were treated unfairly or if you saw someone being treated unfairly based on their skin color? How would you react now?

KH: If I was being treated that way, based on the type of person I am, I would use a term considered a source, shrug my shoulders, and basically keep it moven.

RS: Uh-huh.

KH: If it affected my children or my money, then I would go about it diplomatically, but completely, as far as speaking up, out, and against it.

RS: And has anybody you've ever been close to ever made you rethink your opinions on race or has actually changed your opinions on race? And what is your current opinion on race, as far as how people are being treated and how you treat people and how people were treated?

KH: Yea, that was like 20 questions. Imma need you to narrow that down.

RS: Okay, has anyone ever changed your opinion on racism?

KH: I can’t say that anyone has changed my opinion on racism, because I've never really had an opinion. My view of racism was minimal, extremely minimal, compared to others. I empathize, I realize the struggle continues, however it’s not as prevalent in my life as to people in my community.

RS: And has race ever stopped you from reaching a goal?

KH: No?

(Audiotape stops recording)

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