Conclusion to Local Anti-Racism Movements
Get Involved | Conclusion | Sources
The most effective way to be an advocate for anti-racism is to get involved and help fight racism in the community.
Carlisle and the Greater Carlisle area have a significant history of racism, which can be traced back to historical events such as slavery and the founding of the Carlisle Industrial Indian School and is as recent as Fred Phelps's attempt to rally in Carlisle in 2005. Despite this long and continuing history of overt racism, many individuals and organizations in Carlisle and the Greater Carlisle area have been proactive in forming groups and creating a safer environment that is more respectful of diversity.
Beverly Tatum gives a little perspective to those who may not feel that their participation in these movements is necessary or influential. She says, "For many White people, the image of a racist is a hood-wearing Klan member or a name-calling Archie Bunker figure. These images represent what might be called active racism, blatant, intentional acts of racial bigotry and discrimination. Passive racism is more subtle and can be seen in the collusion of laughing when a racist joke is told, of letting exclusionary hiring practices go unchallenged, of accepting as appropriate the omissions of people of color from the curriculum, and of avoiding difficult race-related issues. Because racism is so ingrained in the fabric of American institutions, it is easily self-perpetuating" (11). She later concludes: "The dismantling of racism is in the best interests of everyone" (Tatum 14).
The Carlisle anti-racism movements are certainly aiming towards this goal.
Other organizations in the Carlisle area, such as Hate Free Harrisburg and the Carlisle Victory Circle, are making strides to combat racism.
