Civil Unrest | Charaun Little

Hate crimes reemerging?

The Ohio State University prides itself on several principles. One of the main reasons for me coming here was because of the way OSU took pride in the fact that it was very diverse. It wasn’t until now that I realize my naivety. The whole time, I figured that because the African American community was being tolerated, that we were being included. But the reality is that many people have not included the African American community. Is it possible that I have been oblivious to the things going on around me?

The Trayvon Martin case was only one of the many examples of “hate crimes” going on throughout this country. Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old, African American male was killed by the head of the neighborhood watch on the count of “suspicious behavior” in an all-white neighborhood. Surprisingly, his assassin, George Zimmerman has still not been arrested.

Civil Rights organizations and institutions around America have expressed their disgust about this situation.  On this campus a few days ago a rally was held by students on this campus called Headscarves and Hoodies in honor of Trayvon Martin and a Muslim woman (who was beat to death in her home) because of their ethnicity.

Unfortunately, there have been hate crimes on this campus. At the rally, a man showed up with an empty gun holster to intimidate those in attendance. On April 5, 2012 “Long Live Zimmerman” was written on the side of the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center in response to the attention to the case. Furthermore, hate speech was present on the Lantern online publication of the crime.  It is so sad to know that people still carry this racist attitude in their hearts. President Gee said that “this is not Ohio State”. I would have to disagree. Students on this campus do harbor these feelings of hate for people different than them. It’s quite obvious. I am absolutely exhausted just from thinking about the issue of racism. Most people don’t even believe it exists. It’s quite clear it still exists. People have even stooped so low that they have spray painted the N word and swastikas on the mural of Obama on 12^th Ave. Don’t believe me? Take a look:

This is not right. Racism is real and is still alive. The only way to fight this evil spirit is to unite as a community. Black, White, Indian, Asian, tall, short… etc. We are all humans and we all bleed red. If you believe in this as much as I do, please take a look at the petition below.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/948/827/720/response-to-frank-hale-black-cultural-center-vandalism-at-the-ohio-state-university/