Although we have done much to suppress or combat racial hatred
in the United States, recent evidence reflects that different
racial and ethnic groups are far from living congenially in the
United States. Political examples include the issue of affirmative
action, Proposition 187 in California, tensions related to Sept.
11, 2001 and, most recently, the controversial California SB60
(which allows illegal immigrants to apply for driver licenses) and
Proposition 54 (the so-called racial privacy initiative on
California’s November ballot).
All of these examples, whether obvious or obscure, show that
racial and ethnic tensions surface when provoked by controversial
issues.
Indeed, studies have been done on attitudes toward immigrants
and related issues from the perspective of different ethnic groups.
For example, the authors of the 2001 study “Variation in
attitudes toward immigrants measured among Latino, African
American, Asian, and Euro-American students,” found a
correlation between ethnicity and negative attitudes toward
immigrant groups. Different ethnic groups had a significantly
unique prejudice regarding another specific immigrant group.
Sadly, these prejudicial attitudes affect how people formulate
policy regarding immigrants. Historically, Euro-Americans have been
the dominant majority in the United States. Thus, racial tension
between Euro-Americans and minority groups traditionally has been
the focus of political policy-making.
Researchers of demographic trends, however, believe that the
population of minority groups will eventually exceed that of
Euro-Americans. Non-European Americans will likely obtain much more
significant political and economical influences in the United
States ““ and their positions with regard to various immigrant
groups may be entirely different from those of Euro-Americans.
Therefore, it is necessary that the focus shift away from just
the tension between Euro-Americans and “minority”
groups to the tensions between different ethnic and racial groups
in the United States. Racial tension must be examined and
understood in all manifestations and from all perspectives in order
to prevent political exploitation that will injure the diversity of
the country.
In the end, improved racial and ethnic relations require more
education and positive community leadership.
The American education system has been teaching American-born
and immigrant children the importance of tolerance and diversity.
However, the attitudes of older generations of immigrants cannot be
ignored: Their populations are on the rise, and many ethnic groups
are becoming more socially and economically powerful.
Ethnic group leaders should not merely focus on promoting the
awareness of the rights of the members of their own groups but also
encourage greater interaction with members of different ethnic
groups. All groups must overcome historical incidents that have
created obstacles to interaction with members of other ethnic
groups. Such incidents breed misunderstanding and must be tackled
by ethnic and community leaders.
Religious institutions also can be great catalysts for more
harmonious interactions among ethnic groups. As immigrants come to
the United States and face various hardships, many become dependent
on such institutions for emotional support and a personal network.
Often, immigrants attend religious institutions that are made up
predominantly by members of their own ethnicities.
Leaders in these institutions, besides teaching religious
doctrines, can also identify and make their members aware of
certain behaviors commonly practiced in their home countries that
are not so common in the United States to avoid unnecessary tension
with different ethnic groups. Such practices may be so subtle as
not yielding to pedestrians when driving, disturbing the peace of
one’s neighborhood at night, and speaking loudly in theaters.
Although campaigns against stereotyping have been, to some extent,
effective, it would be much better if ethnic groups could show
greater concern for each other.
Of course, Bruins can help, too. They are often a great link
between the knowledge-rich academic sphere and the general
population. With their knowledge, creativity and activism, Bruins
can be a strong force to create change and to come up with greater
alternatives. With the prestige of UCLA and the resources the
university has to offer, Bruins, who are from diverse backgrounds
and who will be among the future leaders of the United States, are
among the most capable to ensure the peaceful connections among
different ethnic groups of our future nation.
Chen is a second-year biology student.