When the word racism is mentioned in any way, it is like a scab being taken off an infectious wound before it can righteously heal.

Racism is indeed a susceptible yet very controversial topic; it is that pink, plush elephant in the crowded room that no one seems to notice or simply doesn’t want to until they come into direct contact with it, and even then, it becomes difficult to deal with.

Our nation has been critically reminded of this issue that has been in existence since the beginning of time.

The question is often asked, mostly in a nonchalant way: does racism still exist in America?

Yes, and it may be more rampant than ever because it has become more of a psychological matter than that of a physical one.

Just recently, after President-elect Donald Trump won the 2024 election, racially-aimed text messages were sent to a large array of African Americans from anonymous senders, which confirms that racism hasn’t gone anywhere but only sat dormant.

Among the recipients of those hate messages were high school and college students, with the great assumption that the acts of racism have indeed been subconsciously acquired in the course of their lives.

The dichotomy between the Black and white populace has existed for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years, and doesn’t show any sign of decelerating anytime soon.

However, it is not just Black or white, other races and nationalities have been recipients of the cold hands of racism throughout time.

For decades, correctional facilities across the nation have become more glutted with African American males ranging from the age of 18-30 who have been incarcerated for crimes they have not committed mainly due to their skin color and the accuser’s timid presumptions.

One may go as far as to ask if they are blameworthy for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Perhaps, but there are so many ill-fated components that play heavily against them such as being the product of their surroundings, catch-22 situations, and being guilty simply by association.

No excuse should be accepted for committing any crime, but many have fallen victim to unique circumstances that have cast a negative light on such individuals.

Another concern that continues to sit heavy on people’s minds is the racially evoked actions of law enforcement.

Many citizens, with a large percentage again being African American males, have had dreadful encounters with racist, prejudiced police officers who have instilled a great level of fear.

Indeed, fear and intimidation play key roles in their action, maybe playing the “self-defense card,” but there is no justification for physically assaulting or shooting unarmed men.

The overall antithesis could very well be understood, given the scenario, because of different upbringings, but racism is something that is purposely and scandalously taught and perpetuated and never should be justified as being hereditary.

Racism of any kind from any race of people is never a good thing as it keeps everyone in division, destroys the moral strand of many families, and impairs potential friendships with a member of a different race.

Although racism is indeed in existence, it doesn’t mean one has to subscribe to the contents of it.

One could have a cynical stance on the matter of racism in America, even going as far as to say that it has been minimized, but those who have become infected by the product of racism and with a ripple effect that was made centuries ago, it is indeed a whole different matter that has yet to be completely discussed and understood.

Larry Gore is an occasional columnist and Macomb County-based author.