Racism in America: Response to Laymon

Kiese Laymon, in his article “How They Do in Oxford,” describes a prevalent racial conflict in modern America. While I also agree with Laymon that certain traditions that the University of Mississippi are offensive and racially unjust, I think that this is an extremely small racial and prejudice conflict when compared to others throughout American history. The Ole Miss conflict has been over publicized and exaggerated due to popular demand. The media, and authors alike, will focus (write about) what will sell and draw the largest amount of attention. American history holds and hides other more severe examples of racial injustice that belittle this conflict. The movement and extermination of Native American populations, Japanese-Americans being placed in internment camps during WW-II, the harsh labor conditions of early Chinese and Irish immigrants, and extreme stereotypical views towards Middle-Eastern immigrants are just a few examples of racism that have been forgotten and looked over. Racism encompasses many minorities in America and must be confronted by uniting each race to all others, not focusing on one more than any other. Otherwise, racism will not be exterminated, it will simply transfer from one race to another. That being said, modern racism in America is not directed towards any single race (I think many do not notice this), it encompasses almost every minority. Many minorities also have/had severe racial problems and issues should also be taken in consideration, despite popular demand.