Racism, while still classified as behavior based on the belief that the differences between individual people is governed by the color of their skin, manifests itself today very differently than it did 40 years ago. The racist actions in the 1960s and before existed as overt displays in the form of lynchings, murders, rapes and state-sponsored oppression. But modern racism is different. It is internal and rarely discussed in the mass media. Clearly, modern racism cannot be classified as a victory for the civil rights movement. As a matter of fact, racism is still going strong in the minds of many Americans. But what should concern you more is the racism that exists on our campus.

Eric Thieleman’s column, Undocumented people a problem (SN 9/20) is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Thieleman said we should fight illegal immigration because “our culture” is being threatened. What he means to say is white culture is being threatened. I won’t be the one to argue that white supremacy is a good thing, but if the shoe fits, please wear it. More pointedly, tell people you are a white supremacist if you are. Don’t mask your racist nature in misleading statistics and a string of close-to-home invocations intent upon rallying other people on race lines. Pay attention to Jena, La. Recognize there’s more than one city in the U.S. practicing institutional racism right alongside individual racism. The best way to combat it is to talk about it. Analyze arguments like Thieleman’s and deconstruct them until you find the real heart of the argument. It is xenophobic and racist at its core.