Both sides of the story

The article we read by Marquette Williams touched on some new words and definitions that I hadn't heard of before and got me to thinking about their context in today's society. One in particular is the term "colourism" which she defines as, "the fusion of colonial racism with the classism of Jamaican society." This concept is particular to the experience of Jamaican individuals, however, looking at it from another race or ethnicity perspective it could be easily interchangeable.

In the United States, at younger ages we learn about history in a simple-minded and tame which may construe the real events that occurred. For example, learning about Columbus day means learning he discovered the new world, when really he brought disease and disaster to an already inhabited land. Not until high school or college do we actually find out both sides of the story. This reminded me of Williams experience with British culture and how she had knowledge of Great Britain but they were not educated about Jamaica.

Time and time again power is used as a tool to withhold information and to make inaccurate portrayals of people and their history. Prejudice and racism is brought about through power and control. It is baffling to see that it is never completely extinguished because there is a continuous perpetuation of stereotypes through historical education. Children reach college age, and white children especially, realize what they learned was a lie and start to question authority- those who teach them. The truth should come from the beginning especially regarding education of american and world history.