Dealing with Racism In School

I’ll try to make it sweet and short, I’m in high school, and I absolutely loathe my school. Sometimes I get so sad and depressed about having to wake up and face the day because I know I have to go to school. My 9th grade year wasn’t too great..there were some things about my high school that I didn’t like a lot but I learned to ignore. Those things that I tried my best to ignore were the stereotypes, and often hidden racism people had. And my best friend and I stopped talking, ever since then I’ve felt more alone then ever and find it very hard to make good close friends.

10th grade year it got worse, I started experiencing & seeing these things way more. You see the thing is, I guess my school, the way I would see it, is broken into 3 things, The people who prove stereotypes to be right-then regular trying to do your best at school kids like me-and then the close minded, bigots of the school.

I’m black, but because I don’t “fit” the stereotype of my race, some people try to give me a hard time about it, or some-who are my “friends” make jokes about it, which makes me feel uncomfortable. And its really hard, having to hear people say such rude, racist things sometimes. Or hear people make stereotypical comments. It makes me angry, but at the same time I see why they have such close mindedness because some of these kids all their life lived here, and don’t realize that people in a race are not all the same. I live in the south, but originally from the north. And the southern mentality from what I’ve experience doesn’t always give off the best things. I realize racism and stereotypes are apart of life, but in the adult world-you at least get to choose your surroundings, but I don’t since I’m still in high school.

What I’m asking is how can I make my last 2 years of high school good, the thought of going back to school horrifies me. I don’t want to be closed off and sad anymore, I want to get out there and enjoy high school , but I don’t know how to deal with everything. I really need some advice, I’m tired of feeling sad & lonely all the time.

-Annie

Dear Annie,

Thanks for writing in with your question. High school can be a rough place especially for those who don’t fit the drones of conformity. First, it’s helpful to realize that it’s the people who are different and who don’t conform that will make the biggest difference in the world because they aren’t afraid to think beyond the walls of conformity.

There will always be people that judge and ridicule, but it says more about them than you. These people usually have a lot of self hatred and they use others to make their own pain seem less. Don’t let those people in as their opinion means nothing.

This school year get involved with some clubs that would fit your interests or try new things to see if you have interest or talents in that area. Drama club? Music? Science? Student government maybe? Most schools have lots of different ways for students to get involved. These clubs are a great place to meet people and put your energies into something you care about.

I wasn’t a big fan of high school either but I was involved in drama and music and those clubs made school bearable and I would even look forward to days where we would have special performances and such.

So begin this year with your head held high, be who you are, and live life on purpose. Get involved and experience life. Remember, people are afraid of what they don’t understand which is the basis of racism and stereotypes. Help them understand by being who you are and being out there. Don’t shy away and hide yourself from the world but make a difference.

I pray all the best for your year to come,

Ted

Filed Under: Ask a Counselor, School Issues

Comments

No Comments

About Us

This site offers Free Counseling, Christian Marriage Counseling, Divorce Help, Self Help Articles and Advice in order to help people achieve balance in their body, mind and spirit. Whether it be relationship difficulties, addiction, grief, abuse, depression, we're here to help.