Racism is a pretty heavy subject. It can bring people together for a common cause, but it can also empty a room faster than Miley Cyrus can ruin the VMAs.

I’ve never really understood how anyone could find the color of their skin to be worth more than that of another and the only thing that grinds my gears more than racism, is racism with a dash of prejudice on a plate of complete ignorance.

What I mean by ignorance is the popular assumption that all people with brown skin are terrorists and illegal immigrants.

Since when did the color of someone’s skin decide if they were American?

And who said the acts of one group of people dictated the character and values of an entire race?

On September 15, 2013 Nina Davuluri was crowned Miss America, making her the first Indian American to win the title. Diversity had taken yet another step in a forward direction.

That evening, I logged on the typical social media sites and was hit with a storm of negativity.

Things like, “This is Miss America, not Miss Muslim. #sorrynotsorry,” and “@ABC2020 nice slap in the face to the people of 9-11 how pathetic #missamerica,” flooded Twitter.

I was shocked to see such a large number of individuals lacking knowledge of culture, race, religion, and geography.

Never mind that Nina Davuluri is Indian, but what difference did it make if she was Muslim?

She was born and raised in New York City and proud to be the face of the United States.

Her winning the crown made a statement to the entire world that America is truly the land of opportunities and freedom.

Enemies were being made of allies because many couldn’t distinguish the differences between people and the places they come from.

Racism mostly finds its roots in history and family upbringing, but it seems to me that education is also playing a large role.

According to National Geographic, “Despite nearly constant news coverage since the war [in Iraq] began in 2003, 63 percent of Americans age 18 to 24 failed to correctly locate the country on a map of the Middle East. “

Additionally, National Geographic said, “Seventy percent could not find Iran or Israel.” Nine out of ten couldn’t even find Afghanistan on a map of Asia.

How can people be expected to be accepting and open to change when their view of the world doesn’t transcend American borders?

Younger generations are not learning enough about people, worldly events and politics.

For the sake of our country’s future, secondary schools should especially emphasize educating students on these subjects, as well as the importance of worldwide growth.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m no cartographer.

I couldn’t draw a complete map of the United States, much less label Middle Eastern countries, but a basic knowledge of the world and the things happening in it is imperative.

As long as people lack that knowledge, racism and judgment will continue to be misguided.

America was not and will never be built on hunting, tattoos, military service, white skin and “good Christian values”.

If that were the case, millions of “Americans” should be packing their bags and leaving right now.

In fact, our country is based on the exact opposite of that.

It’s being from anywhere on this planet and still pledging allegiance to the USA because you are proud to call this country home.

It’s worshipping any higher power you choose without fear because this country was founded on religious freedom and tolerance.

So, to my fellow Americans cowering behind a computer screen, serving up that healthy portion of racism: trade that plate for a slice of “melting pot” pie and educate yourselves.

In these times of war and terror, ignorance is crippling.