Racism – The Never-Ending Cycle

Racism is one of humanity’s oldest and most persistent issues. For centuries, it has sparked wars, revolutions, and protests across the world. Generations marched in the streets, risked their lives, and fought against oppression so that future generations would not have to live under the same oppression. However, it often feels as though those sacrifices are slipping through our fingers, as racism finds new ways to survive in today’s world.
In addition to subtler versions of blatant segregation and violence like from the past, racism now also hides in plain sight. It appears in stereotypes, in unfunny “jokes”, in policies that quietly disadvantage minorities, and in the everyday assumptions people carry. It thrives in the unspoken; the look of suspicion on someone’s face, the lowered expectations, the whisper that certain people don’t “belong”, and this is disadvantageous to the youth.

How it All Started

Hillary’s academic achievements tell one part of her story. She earned first place nationally in the Reading and Writing Olympiad, advanced to the regional stage of the History Olympiad, and placed third in the English Olympiad. These milestones reflect more than just academic skill—they showcase her curiosity, her ability to think critically, and her commitment to using knowledge as a tool for growth.

Yet Hillary’s talents stretch far beyond competition halls and classrooms. She is a poet, painter, and debater, someone who sees creativity not as a pastime but as a way of interpreting the world. Whether through words, colors, or arguments, she uses expression to ask questions, start conversations, and build connections.

Racism in Modern Education

International students in universities around the world face these subtle and systemic forms of racism every day. For
example, a 2024 survey of over 122,000 international students across 155 UK institutions found that 41% of Chinese students reported discrimination because of their ethnicity. Students described unfair treatment in classrooms, social exclusion, and biases from both peers and staff.
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Chinese students in Canada reported verbal attacks and social isolation, while African students in China faced eviction from dorms and were barred from public spaces. Even outside crises, everyday discrimination persists: a student from India in Australia reported being unfairly marked down in class because of their accent, while another student faced verbal harassment from strangers simply for being Asian.

Visa policies also reflect this bias. Some South Asian students applying to Australian universities faced rejection rates rising from 5% to over 30% despite meeting all academic and financial requirements. Students accepted into universities in the U.S. or Australia live in constant fear that visas may be delayed or denied, disrupting their education and peace of mind.
These experiences are more than just isolated incidents; they are a clear reminder that racism is not a relic of history, but a present reality that continues to shape lives. For students, these injustices can affect academic performance, mental health, and sense of belonging. For society, they are a betrayal of the decades-long struggles for equality, a signal that progress is fragile and incomplete.

The Cost of Ignoring Racism

Every insult, every unfair judgment, and every systemic barrier sends the same devastating message: you do not belong here.
It undermines not just individual potential but the very promise of education as a place of opportunity and growth. And in
doing so, it dishonors the sacrifices of generations who fought to create a more just world. It normalizes the issue which we
can see as trending videos on social media posts, mocking other nationalities or as we observe in the increase in racially
motivated murders and crimes carried out by the youth of the world. By ignoring the issue we foster the hatred and aid its
ingraining into society, which is nothing but a setback

Moving Forward

Racism will not disappear on its own. Institutions must actively challenge bias, support marginalized students, and listen to
their experiences. By addressing racism in education and beyond, we ensure that the protests, the sacrifices, and the struggles of the past were not in vain. More importantly, we create spaces where students from every background can learn, thrive, and contribute without fear.
Social media awareness campaigns and moral education programs can also play a crucial role by teaching people why discrimination is wrong and encouraging empathy across communities. By combining institutional action with cultural education, society can begin to break the cycle of racism and truly honor the legacy of those who fought for equality. The fight against racism is far from over—but acknowledging it, confronting it, and refusing to let it persist is how we honor the legacy of those who came before us and what will stand with us and to follow

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