"A Generation of Bigots Come of Age" by Richard Cohen (Blog 10)

In his article “A Generation of Bigots Come of Age” written in The Writer’s Response text book, Richard Cohen explains how the U.S.’ younger generation is just as prejudice as the older generation. Cohen’s theory was based off of actual research. For instance, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has found that a majority of younger and older white Americans share the same biases regarding racial stereotypes. In addition, the ADL’s national director, Abraham Foxman, says that the younger generation who is supposed to run America in the future is racist to an extent where it is very problematic. This is all due to two reasons which are a lack of experience in history and affirmative action. Younger people did not experience the civil rights struggles in the 1950s through 1960s; the younger generation does not understand that African Americans were once always exposed to racism. And that is why various African Americans still see racism everywhere today. One of the ways to fix this problem is to correct the current affirmative action programs, and try to prevent the negative effects the programs have on people.

Even though America has a racist history, people should learn how to cope positively with change. History is everywhere; people cannot escape from history. Therefore, acting or behaving a certain way is no excuse when times have changed. The U.S is more equal than it has ever been and I believe it is becoming more equal as times passes. I agree with a lot of the information that is presented in the essay. I have strong reasons to believe that the media is also playing a harsh role to support this ongoing racial problem. There are many comedies out there that have racial stereotypes in it. Younger people are not able to handle this type of media. Some of them grow up to believe that this racial stereotyping is true.