What literature has taught me about the effects of racism

Racism has been continuing for decades and it still effects people in society today. Numerous factors of racism an lead to different outcomes in people’s lives and it can be permanent until the end. In the novel, Indian Horse, by Richard Wagamese, the protagonist, Saul, faces multiple effects from racism. It first starts off with a residential school called St. Jerome’s where those schools are known for erasing the First Nations’ culture and language. The school itself is considered being racist and Saul gets separated from his family, specifically his grandma. It makes him heartbroken and depressed which is what a majority of people will feel when broken apart from their family. People’s personality and attitude can alter too like how Saul became aggressive, violent, sullen, and embittered when racist comments were said during his hockey games. Racism ruined Saul’s potential in life and starts to not find love for hockey. Another turning point comes in his life when he becomes an alcoholic. In society today, numerous people turn to alcohol and drugs which can help solve their problems of racism by passing out from getting “high”. Just like in Indian Horse, in the poem, “What Do You Remember of the Evacuation”, the protagonist feels ashamed of her heritage because she was bullied by a white girl for being Japanese. One cruel act of racism can mislead people into thinking that their race should be hated and ignored. In conclusion, these sources can show what the effects are of racism and how horrific the outcomes can be. Racism can be something someone experienced through stories, movies, etc., but one single comment can have a huge impact. Therefore, people should be more aware of what racism can do to people and know it can happen to them too.

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