My thoughts on Prejudice & Racism.
Why do most white people believe they are superior to black, brown, yellow or red folks? I believe the answer is simple. Their parents told them they are. We learn to be racist, just like we learn to be Christian, Jewish or Muslim.
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I was born to parents raised in the deep south of the United States. They grew up during the 1940s and ‘50s, and were both racist to their core. Not only did they fear and hate blacks, they felt the same way about Catholics, Jews, used car salesmen and Democrats.
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My parents tried to teach me to distrust blacks. They gave me unintentional lessons every day on why black people did not deserve the same rights and opportunities I enjoyed as a member of the white race. “They are lazy and stupid,” my Mother used to tell me. “Black people’s brains are smaller than ours, so it’s not their fault they can’t learn like we do, or want the same things we do. It is just an unfortunate fact,” my Father would chime in.
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During the summer of 1964, a black man rang our doorbell. I was seven-years-old when I answered the door that day. The big man smiled and asked if my Mother or Father were home. He had a warm smile and a pleasant voice but, when my Mother came to the door, my life would be changed forever.
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My Mother pulled me behind her in fear as soon as she saw the man. He asked if she needed any yard work done, or had any chores she might be able to hire him for. My Mother became very agitated and abusive saying, “How dare you insult me! There is nothing wrong with my yard, and I don’t need a lazy nigger like you coming to my door!” Then she threatened him. “I have a gun, and if you’re still on my property when I get back with it I’ll shoot your black ass!”
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I was upset and confused. Even at seven-years-old, I knew my Mother was wrong to treat this man like a criminal. He was looking for honest work. I was crying. My Mother said, “It’s OK son, he’s gone now. It’s OK, stop crying” as she tried to comfort me. When I told her I was crying because she treated the man so badly, she slapped me in the face and walked back into the kitchen.
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My generation was literally born into the space age. We have been fortunate to have all of the modern amenities and communication devices -- jet planes, air conditioning, color TV, FM radio, mobile telephones and computers, our parents could only dream of. For the most part we have also been afforded better educations.
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Better education, coupled with almost instant worldwide communication and media, has enabled many of us to step out of the racist and prejudiced shadows cast by our parents, and their parents before them. Regrettably, not all of us have taken advantage of our educations, or the scientific facts that enlighten us today.
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My own brother is the perfect example of this. He is terrified of “Mexicans and Niggers.” He would tell you his paranoia has nothing to do with our parents, and everything to do with his “personal experience.” I would argue that had it not been for my Mother and Father teaching him to be a racist, my little brother would have viewed his “personal experiences,” through a much different lens.
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World travel and personal experiences have taught me that all people are exactly the same. We all want to be loved by our families, and respected by our peers. The United States Army taught me that there are only two ‘types’ of people in the entire world:
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1: Normal folks and; 2: Morons
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Is the Army's analysis too simplistic for you? Would you argue that being prejudiced or a racist doesn’t automatically make you a moron? I’m OK with that. I have many racist acquaintances that are -- in their own minds -- good Christians, excellent parents and pillars of the community. These folks would never admit they were racist or prejudiced in any way.
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It’s only after a few drinks with their friends that they begin to hint at their fears. You begin to hear these comments and questions: “What college did that one attend?”-- “I didn’t know she’s Catholic!”-- or, “Oh, he’s OK, but he’s married to a black woman.”
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Before we get much further I want to point out a very important fact. Racists come in all colors, and usually make up at least 55-percent of their race and culture. Rich, poor, Christian, Muslim, politician or insurance sales person, no one is immune.
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Am I perfect? Oh no. What separates me from 55-percent of the rest of you (including my brother), is that I know I’m not superior to you and I consciously try and learn something about my fellow human beings on a daily basis.
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In today’s world there is really no reason for racism or prejudice, yet it seems just as prevalent as it did when I was seven. Is prejudice and racism human nature? It absolutely is. Then again, so is the urge to kill. Fortunately, most of us have learned to overcome that urge through familial and religious education.
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The bottom line is this: You have the power within yourself to be either “normal,” or a “moron.” You can teach your children to be open and fair to all, or continue the traits that have caused so much war, death and strife.
