Being Prejudice is a preconceived idea of someone; and racism is discrimination directed against someone of a different race based on the belief of one’s own race is superior. Now a day’s people not of color claims that cases that involve police brutality towards African Americans are not racist situations, In my opinion, if it is not racism; it is prejudice. I say this because; I have seen police brutality towards whites as well. Although racism is a big issue, in today’s society you are judged by were you come from, were you live, the way you dress, and the way you talk. An example is a story from Bronx, New York. A nineteen year old college student named Christian was accused of stealing because of his skin color. Back in October of 2013 Christian walked into Barneys to purchase an item, but wasn’t able to leave, because the item was too expensive for someone like him to buy. The Huffington post states, “19-year-old was at the store buying a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt, but following the purchase, he was stopped by undercover officers that were allegedly called on by a Barney’s sales clerk who believed the transaction was fraudulent.” He then asked, “How a young black man such as himself could afford to purchase such an expensive belt? Christian was then handcuffed and taken to a local precinct. Although he showed the officers the receipt, the card he used, and explained how he …show more content…
A little background knowledge about me is that I attended a charter school from 5th to 12th grade called KIPP. While attending this charter, we went on an annual field trip at the end of every year out of state so we could experience new things. This particular year, we were supposed to go to New York but instead we went to New Orleans because of budget cuts. Towards the end of this trip we all went to the store to buy souvenirs for our family members. Once we entered the store an older woman began to follow me as well as my fellow classmates around the store. I did not notice it until I notice it was not happening to the white people. At that time I felt very uncomfortable and did not know what to do or say. When I finished I went to go purchase my item. She in fact followed me back to the counter, where I was told by my teacher I was being rude because I laid the money o the counter for her to get. At the time I did not know I was being rude to her, but at the same time I was upset at my teacher and at the harsh situation. At that time when I was discriminated my rights as a person and a citizen was taken away from me, even if it was for a short second. That moment in my life was something that left a mark and would never be