An emphatic NO to racism

The struggle against racism has always been part of this country’s history, and there are some who still believe that it is far from being eradicated in certain circles of our society.

There are few arguments to refute this as we witness the public debate over the last few days.

First, Cliven Bundy, a Nevada rancher, unleashed a torrent of national criticism when he said that “blacks were better off as slaves.”

Now, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling is embroiled in a scandal upon the release of an audio recording in which he allegedly repeatedly tells women not to post a photo of her next to an African-American on her Instagram account or take African-Americans to his team’s games. He also attacks other minorities.

Latinos are no strangers to this issue.

The same Sterling has already been investigated for racist practices. In 2009, he had to pay $2,730,000 when he refused to rent apartments to Latinos, African-Americans, and families with children in the Koreatown area.

This is concerning. Numerous Latino employees work at the Staples Center and hundreds of Latinos, who have followed the team for years, attend the games. Such events should remind us that incidents tinged with racism should not be tolerated. This country, in general, and Los Angeles, in particular, are now more diverse than ever in their history.

Promoting positive relations between the different ethnic groups is something this society has fought for over the years.

Everyone from President Barack Obama to Mayor Eric Garcetti have made it clear that such comments have no place in this country. The NBA has already announced an in-depth investigation into the matter. This should be quick and efficient—Angelinos and the rest of the country deserve it.