8/7/2019 Racism is like an invisible elephant

1/2

Linda Boone

Word Count: 517

Racism is like an invisible elephant a huge problem thats always there, just unseen or ignored. Two

kinds of discrimination include the subtle undertones of the modern type and the blatantly overt old-

fashioned type. This past weekend, I watched a television show which depicted one of those types of

discrimination. After reading a description of the scene, you probably wont have much trouble

determining which type of discrimination was enacted. Although this example was created in

Hollywood, dont be fooled. Racism is alive and real in American society. Over time, the consequences of

racism are often detrimental to its real life victims. I wonder if its possible to change racial

discrimination.

During last Sundays episode of the popular TV series, Army Wives, there was a scene involving two

doctors who were arrested while trying to help one of their patients. To explain, a substance abuse

patient called one of the doctors while obviously whacked out on something. Out of concern, the doctor

and his partner went to her rescue. They found her laid out on the ground. They helped her up and

proceeded to walk her towards their vehicle to take her to the hospital. She started pulling away from

them. Of course, just then, a patrol car pulled up. Two policemen jumped out pointing guns at the two

doctors who were half-carrying the nearly comatose black woman to their vehicle. The two black men

stated they were doctors and that they were taking their patient to the hospital. The two officers

ignored their remarks. Instead of investigating the situation, the two doctors were ordered to hit the

ground. They were manhandled as they were handcuffed. The doctors were arrested and taken to the

police station. They were fingerprinted and questioned. The doctors were finally released and their

patient was sent to a 72-hour treatment facility.

While this was a fictional event, things like this still happen today, as witnessed by the Rodney King

incident. There are many consequences to victims of racial discrimination. Initially, most victims are

justly outraged by their treatment. If the victims have poor coping skills, hostility can easily develop. At

some point, victims may become fearful of law enforcement officers. Further, victims may develop trust

8/7/2019 Racism is like an invisible elephant

2/2

Linda Boone

Word Count: 517

issues with authority figures. Discrimination can cause psychological pain and suffering. Research

indicates long term consequences may include physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure, stomach

problems and heart disease.

How do we change racial discrimination? First, we must admit that racism exists. I believe that is why

the producers of the show, Army Wives, chose to portray racism using the obvious overt manner of

old-fashioned discrimination rather than the subtle modern style so thered be no mistake about the

existence of racism in our communities. To fix the problem, we have to get to the root and that comes

from within ourselves and our communities. We cannot pretend the problem doesnt exist. We need to

examine our own moral ethics. We need to remember that communities are comprised of people that

need to co-exist. Ultimately, love thy neighbor as thyself is the key to end racism.