Speaks Out

Published: Friday, February 27, 1998

Friday, February 27, 1998

Speaks Out:

In your opinion, is racism or the state of race relations different today than 30 years ago?

Jason Wade

Fourth Year,

Math/ Physics

"Depending on what part of the country you're in, I think it's a bigger issue, like in southern states. In LA, I think its still an issue, but its not as big as it was thirty years ago."

Lucina Uddin

First Year,

Neuroscience

"In some cities, especially in LA, racism is still a big issue. You still have neighborhoods where there's only certain races that live there and there is still a lot of discrimination going on."

Maria Yang

Second Year,

Biology

"I think its expressed in a different fashion now. People are more PC about it whereas thirty years ago it was OK to be really liberal about it and just say things. I think the underlying undertones are still there."

Michael Cohanzad

Fourth Year,

Psychology

"I feel the issue has changed. Before it was more open and now it's more behind closed doors. People are afraid to say what they really want to say. No one really comes out in public."

Maisha Riddlesprigger

Second Year,

Psychology

"Racism is still prominent in our society, but its just a lot more hidden now. There's a lot more people now that are more subtle about what they say. People aren't admitting their racism now like they were thirty years ago."

John Thvedt

First Year,

Undeclared

"I don't think its as prominent in our society. I think its definitely still out there, there's always going to be some people who are afraid to give up on the past, but I don't think it's such a big issue."