Race

This world if full of people of many colours. Black, white, brown, mixed, etc.With every race, comes an exciting culture. 

One of the great things about culture is how many people have learned to embrace it. Despite what some people may protest, I personally find it interesting how many of us are willing to try food from other countries, listen to their music and are willing to do research to know more about their culture. 

Coming from someone who is growing up with a Jamaican family, there have often been times where I have been excluded and belittled for the colour of my skin, the style of my hair, and even my upbringing. It is typical for Jamaicans to be brought up in a strict household, and so there have been a lot of times where I've missed out on certain events. But now I’m in year 10, I’ve been given more freedom, and while I’m open to talking about my culture, a lot of people seem hesitant to ask about it. 

Don't be!! There's nothing more flattering than someone who is genuinely trying to understand your culture. Would you rather unknowingly insult someone, or ask a few questions and ensure you don't? The importance of understanding culture is vital to us developing as a society, because it is one of, if not the most important step towards finally ending racial conflict. Admittedly, it will take a while. But that's no excuse to not start now. 

If racism is going to end, which many believe will not happen in the foreseeable future, then a lot of people need to be educated. Rather than accuse people of trying to steal our cultures, and getting angry at those who claim to “discover” someone that your family have been doing for generations, imagine the impact that informing someone would have? Teach someone how that hairstyle should be rocked, rather than tell people they cannot rock it. Invite people to listen to the music your grandparents listened to, rather than tell people they cannot listen. If we did that, I believe that a lot of cultures would stop resenting each other. Besides; a lot of things that are popular in some countries originated in others. 

So, ask until your heart’s content. Explore as many cultures as you desire, whether that means you hop on a plane and travel the world, or snuggle into your duvet and indulge in YouTube videos. The more you know, the better.

​Savannah