Speaks Out

Friday, February 27, 1998

Speaks Out:

In your opinion, is racism or the state of race relations
different today than 30 years ago?

Jason Wade

Fourth Year,

Math/ Physics

"Depending on what part of the country you’re in, I think it’s a
bigger issue, like in southern states. In LA, I think its still an
issue, but its not as big as it was thirty years ago."

Lucina Uddin

First Year,

Neuroscience

"In some cities, especially in LA, racism is still a big issue.
You still have neighborhoods where there’s only certain races that
live there and there is still a lot of discrimination going
on."

Maria Yang

Second Year,

Biology

"I think its expressed in a different fashion now. People are
more PC about it whereas thirty years ago it was OK to be really
liberal about it and just say things. I think the underlying
undertones are still there."

Michael Cohanzad

Fourth Year,

Psychology

"I feel the issue has changed. Before it was more open and now
it’s more behind closed doors. People are afraid to say what they
really want to say. No one really comes out in public."

Maisha Riddlesprigger

Second Year,

Psychology

"Racism is still prominent in our society, but its just a lot
more hidden now. There’s a lot more people now that are more subtle
about what they say. People aren’t admitting their racism now like
they were thirty years ago."

John Thvedt

First Year,

Undeclared

"I don’t think its as prominent in our society. I think its
definitely still out there, there’s always going to be some people
who are afraid to give up on the past, but I don’t think it’s such
a big issue."