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By Grace Borrero Perspective on Race Relations in L.A. America is hardly the idealistic melting pot others perceive it to be. Los Angeles is far from the melodic scenes of the international Camelot, "It's a Small World." But is this such a bad thing? Do we all have to sing the same tune with false smiles on our faces? Is it so vital that we step beyond our comfort zone and try to be the champion of all of humanity? There are different ways to look at the issue of race relations. Los Angeles is the home of various races -- all beautiful, all unique. It would be great if we could all learn of these different cultures. We would better understand and appreciate them and thus live happily ever after. However, not everybody has the opportunity to take Ethnic Studies classes. Not everybody is open-minded, nor has the time to try to understand something they are not a part of. Not everyone cares. Though this is unfortunate, it is true. It may be better to accept this fact and make do with what we have: a society divided by race. We can find strength in our own community and empower ourselves with cultural knowledge. A mutual understanding is already established and deeply appreciated. We must not depend on others for happiness or well-being. It is only within ourselves that we can truly find solace in the racially chaotic society in which we live. Of course it would be great if we could "all just get along," but this isn't Camelot, it's Los Angeles. (Grace Borrero is a junior majoring in English.)