Institutional Racism

            Discrimination, whether practiced under the auspices of race, gender, or social class, is a reality many Americans and peoples throughout the world claim to be faced with as a part of everyday life. It is present in almost all aspects of life in society and in our homes. Being a white male however, in college, it would be inaccurate to say I have been a victim of such actions. In reality, as a white male in the middle to upper class, I have benefited, rather than suffered, from such activities. This wasn't intentional, rather instilled values and unjust beliefs in others that led to such bias and stigmas.
             There are many areas where inequality is present and nothing can be done about it overnight. One area is the legal system and especially when on the topic of traffic violations. One night I was heading back to my house because a friend set off the burglar alarm. I had been at dinner with my girlfriend and consequently had a few drinks. Once receiving the distress call from my friends, I irrationally jumped in my car and began speeding home. Speed and alcohol, a good combination, I think not. Right before I pulled into my house I came up on an officer responding to the call. I happened to be driving around 65 and the speed limit was 35. I pulled in my driveway, silenced the alarm, and returned to the driveway to talk to the authorities. They took my license and asked me if I had been drinking. Due to the intimidation of the situation, I initially responded no. Upon further examination I admitted my guilt. The officer simply told me not to leave my house and to make sure my car stayed parked for the rest of the evening. I got off. Had this same situation taken place across town in a different neighborhood, things might have taken a different turn. I am quite sure that my color and where I lived in Charlotte, played a large role on whether to, within right take me to jail, or leave me be.