By Carmine Santa Maria
As the Founder of Project LEARN in District 21, I’ve heard thousands of children speak out against the evils of racism. After a couple of year’s absence, I’m happy to report that I’ve succeeded in getting Project LEARN re-instated in District 21, Region 7. On May 12, at Kingsborough Community College all the grade winners of each school will receive their accolades and medals in front of their peers and families and each of the four Grand Prize winners will recite their award winning speeches. Last year I had been invited to PS 153 Project LEARN Assemblies, which had kept the contest going within the school and while in the audience this year I was annoyed to hear one of the level winners read a very lengthy speech, since the contest rules prohibited the students reading their speeches. When I finally looked up to see the speaker, I was amazed to see, that he was not reading at all but reciting from memory. He spoke so well and so long that I just assumed he was reading, he was that perfect! Now in the past the top level winners from each school would compete against each other for the Grand Prize, but having heard these kids for 16 years and marvel as each year produced better speakers than the last, I would venture to say that P.S. 153’s Myuran Nadarajah of Class 4-405 would have been a Grand Prize Winner at his level even if he competed against the other 28 school winners in a district wide competition. I invited Myuran to give his speech at the Community Education Council 21’s (CEC21) monthly meeting in IS 303 auditorium on Wednesday night April 13. When this fourth grader spoke, he mesmerized the audience so, that you could only hear his voice and when he finished he received thunderous applause with a standing ovation. This is the speech that captured the audience of educators that night. “Hello. My name is Myuran Nadarajah. I am one of the many students in P.S. 153 who want to stop racism. Racism is a very bad affair that affects a lot of people in our world. It is a fight because of a person's culture, religion, nationality, and mostly their skin color. It also destroys peoples' trust for one another. These are the many reasons why we should stop racism right now. Can we stop racism? Yes we can. As we know, racism still exists in schools, work environments, and even countries. The questions we need to ask in order to address the issues around the world are “when, where and how”? We can start right now. We can stop racism at schools first. Children are the future generations so we must start with them. One way we can stop racism in schools is by showing that everyone is unique in their own way. For example, some people may have the ability to do very well in studies, and others may not. These two groups may refuse to get along with each other. This can create differences. To put a halt to this misunderstanding, we must develop more communication between the children. The other way we can stop racism is by creating a cultural program in schools. This can allow children to learn about all different cultures such as Russian, Chinese, Italian and many more. The lack of communication is the main problem, which creates the differences and leads to the racial issues. Therefore, we have to bring all children together where everyone can learn and understand each other. Next, we have to consider work environments. Racism spreads its hands everywhere, including big factories, offices, and even hospitals. Racism starts in these areas because some people may receive even more promotion opportunity, or even more attention than others. This makes others very angry. Issues of religion, culture, and even nationality, are reasons for these unfair actions. We have to put a stop to this some way. For example, forming a committee to oversee the racial issues and giving power to that committee to take action against the irrational activity, could bring equal rights to everyone. This can allow workers to cooperate with each other. If there are no misunderstandings, there will be fewer racial problems. Furthermore, there are many matters going on between the countries. Some countries want to hold the ruling power over others. Some are fighting over religion and sometimes some even want to take revenge on other countries. We have to put a stop to these battles; otherwise many innocent people will be affected by these brutal acts. One way to achieve peace is by civilians protesting against the racism and urging their government leaders or religious leaders to talk with other leaders and settle this in the least violent way. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. He wanted to stop racism all over the world and he managed to stop it in some parts of the world. He couldn't stop it all over the world because, unfortunately, he was assassinated before he attained his dream. We, as a nation, must continue in fighting for his dream in racial prejudice. We, the children, should think about racism and ways to stop it. The students' power could make a difference in the world. So please consider joining our efforts in making a world where only peace and harmony exist. It will be a gift that you will never regret or forget. Thank you.” Now having read that remarkable speech, and too bad you couldn’t hear this little dynamo in person. I want you to make a determination on the following piece that was E-mailed to me. I have deleted the country named so as not to offend anyone. “Enter a country illegally. Never mind immigration quotas, visas, International law, or any of that nonsense. Once there, demand that the local government provide free medical care for you and your entire family. Demand bilingual nurses and doctors. Demand free bilingual local government forms, bulletins, etc. Procreate abundantly. Deflect any criticism of this allegedly irresponsible reproductive behavior with, “It is a cultural USA thing. You would not understand, pal.” Keep your American identity strong. Fly Old Glory from your rooftop, or proudly display it in your front window or on your car bumper. Speak only English at home and in public and insist that your children do likewise. Demand classes on American culture in the school system. Demand a local driver’s license. This will afford other legal rights and will go far to legitimize your unauthorized, illegal presence in the country. Drive around with no liability insurance and ignore local traffic laws. Insist that the local law enforcement teach English to all its officers. Good luck! You'll be demanding for the rest of your time or soon be found dead. Because it will never happen! It will not happen in that country or any other country in the world except right here in the United States, Land of the naïve and stupid, idiotic politically correct politicians. If you agree, pass it on. If you don't, go ahead and try the above in xxxxx, Iran or Iraq.” Now my question is, “would you consider this quoted piece as racist?” Is it an example of free speech? Is it a legitimate concern of its author? If you said yes to any of the three questions, then you’ll have to realize the enormity of the problems we have with racism, free speech and patriotism. Are you a racist if you make an offensive name or remark to another? If someone of their same origin uses that same name or remark, is it racist? Would you consider Gangsta Rappers racist? If so, they’re making a fortune promoting racism. And that’s why Project LEARN is so important. More on this controversial subject next week! Screech at you next week!
