COLUMN: Racism, sexism, violence alive and well in 21st century

Living in the 21 century should conjure up images of equality and fairness. Unfortunately, racism, sexism and violence are prevalent around the world. Let’s start in our own backyard. At Utah State University, Pam Riley, professor in the sociology, social work and anthropology department, said in the last diversity forum that the number of female assistant professors is still only at 10 percent. Wages still are not the same for men and women for equivalent jobs, despite more and more women entering the workforce.

Perhaps this has something to do with the stagnant attitude there is about serious women’s issues such as domestic violence. In Dallas, Texas, a Web site is being rightfully criticized for selling “wife beater” T-shirts. As reported by the Associated Press, James Doolin offers sleeveless shirts embroidered with “Wife Beater” across the front at $20 a piece. Here’s the clincher: Convicted wife beaters get a discount with proof of their conviction. If they buy one, they get the second one at half price.

Doolin claims his critics are “overreacting.” One wonders if he applies for the discount.

Women are not the only group suffering in this new millennium. Appearing in today’s Statesman on page 15, a white man was indicted for throwing a brick through a black man’s car while spouting racial slurs toward him during the riots in Cincinnati. The riots started in the first place over complaints the police were targeting blacks with unnecessary violence. Almost 50 years after the Civil Rights Movement, Americans are still participating in discrimination.

Recently Mississippi citizens voted to keep the confederate symbol smack dab in the center of their state flag. Reasons sighted were tradition and simple apathy. What happened to moving on, becoming better people, and attempting to correct wrongdoing?

I am sure black Mississippi citizens don’t feel the confederate tradition is something they would like to uphold.

Outside the Home of the Free, the Israelis and Palestinians continue “eye for an eye” battles. Throwing rocks is a way of life, and to the upcoming generations it’s the only way.

And finally, the mysterious ship carrying “child slaves.” These kids live their lives as field workers, domestic workers, and in some cases, prostitutes. So here we are in the 21st century, and although we may believe we have come a long way, there is still quite a ways to go.