I’ve already written and rewritten this post here in drafts and in my head. I want it to come out right, to do justice to my thoughts.
Here it goes, take 3.
Our parents raise us to follow their definition of ideals, their beliefs, their rights and wrongs. We are all products of products of products. And while the definitions are modified and tempered as they go down the line, the general basics are still there.
I won’t say all of us because I can’t speak for all of us. I will say that many people I know, me included, struggle to overcome variations of prejudice, racism, bigotry and hatred. Lessons learned, settled within us.
Some of us can overcome those parental lessons, their words of wisdom bestowed upon us starting at early ages. Some of us, as we got older, were able to see them for what they were.
Ugly.
And some of us don’t like ugly.
I’m sure there is some sort of prejudice there, too…I don’t like ugly.
I try to live my life by treating others the way I would want others to treat my children. Because, when I’m gone, it’s their world.
I love everyone. I don’t care what race, culture, ethnicity you are. As long as you’re a good person. If you’re not, I have no reason to have you in my life. That’s not being racist, prejudice, bigoted…that’s being real.
I try to teach my children to love everyone…unless they don’t deserve their love.
People hate. They hate because they fear. They hate because they don’t understand. They hate because they are ignorant and a lot of times, it’s not really their fault, they don’t know better.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told things like…you don’t look Jewish. Or…you don’t act Jewish.
What does that even mean?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, he doesn’t act black. He’s like a white-black person. Or…she isn’t a typical Arab, she doesn’t act like one.
What does that even mean?
I don’t understand.
If you’re prejudice, you’re prejudice. Stop making excuses. Just because we don’t look or act like Jews, Arabs, Blacks…we still are. And if you don’t like our people, then you really don’t like us.
And that’s fine. No one is forcing you to.
But, they hate.
People hate.
Jews.
Blacks.
Muslims.
Armenians.
Kids with allergies.
Physically impaired.
Mentally impaired.
Men.
Women.
People who wear pink polo.
People who wear socks with toes.
The list goes on.
Prejudice, hatred, bigotry, racism…they know no bounds.
And it becomes even more evident when headlines are made.
Fingers waving and pointing, blaming, accusing.
Angry words, like venom, poisoning thoughts and actions.
We are in a toxic time right now. But then again, aren’t we always, in one way or another?
If it’s not this recent news headline, then it’s about guns, abortion, gay rights, women’s rights.
People’s passions are fickle.
And drama-mongers will also be drama-mongers.
Sure, the Treyvon Martins case was an outrage. On so many levels. I’m not going there, though. I can’t. I won’t.
I don’t know how to make this better and it’s only getting worse. People on edge, all the time. Ready to pounce for any given reason. It’s rather sad.
And sort of scary.
I would hate to see this divide us, to propel us backwards after we seem to have come so far, as precarious as it is.
Or have we come far at all?
Have we all just been putting a facade over the lessons of our parents with prettier words in the guise of getting along? Of being cool. Of being tolerant and compassionate.
I see a boy who was murdered. Self defense, cold-blood…it doesn’t matter.
I see a man who was acquitted. Self-defense, cold-blood…it doesn’t matter.
I see a country divided.
Again.
And I can’t help but think…what’s next?
What is going to be the next thing to come along that divides us further?
Blacks. Whites.
Straights. Gays.
Men. Women.
Because with everyone raising their fists, screaming of injustices and travesties…
It seems like the big picture is getting scribbled on.
The problem is…
US.
We need to stop screaming, accusing, banging our heads against a wall AT each other
And start a constructive conversation WITH each other.
Our kids NEED TO KNOW…
It doesn’t matter what color…
What race…
What ethnicity…
Those are inconsequential. They don’t matter.
We are here, all inhabiting the same planet.
We are ALL the same species.
And that…should just be enough.
Just my thoughts.
You are right! You are also gifted with words Melissa. Honestly as bad as this world is getting I have to put my trust and hope in the God I serve. Without him life would look hopeless even for my children. Just being real with my beliefs. Everyone has their own and that I respect. Blessings Melissa! I know this post was most certainly difficult to draft. You did it and that is so admirable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
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Prejudice is everywhere. It is very unfortunate. My step father, born 1928, freely admits he is prejudiced. That is all he grew up with, and to know. He has gotten better these days because he knows I have friends that are not the same race. So does my daughter. I was getting to know this guys as a potential date. First thing he tells me? i dont like blacks and don’t believe in bi-racial relationships. Yeah, uhhh, see ya. I have black friends and 2 of them are in a bi-racial relationship. Cut him off immediately. As you said, don’t lie about it. Own it and move on. But, when it takes control of you, to where you want to harm someone because of their skin color, ethnic background, or sex, then it is YOUR problem. Not that other persons. There are whites that don’t like blacks as well as blacks who don’t like whites. Get over it. We are here to stay. Differences and all.
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