Oct 24, 2011

Diversity, Will Things Really Ever Change?

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Our society has come a long way in the way of equality.  When I watched the movie "The Help" I was most taken back when I realized that these things were happening when my mother was alive.  The regular mistreatment (and killing) of people  based on the color of the their skin.  But then, we've come a long way, right?

Today, as we start a new week I certainly do not feel like things have changed.  Friday afternoon, I arrived home from work to learn that my son had been verbally attacked in our own yard.  He and his best friend (who just happens to be African American) were busy playing in our yard (along with his two younger brothers) when a group of older kids that new my son's friend walked by.  They began asking why his friend was playing with a 'redneck white boy' among other things.  My sweet son, who likes anyone who likes to do things he likes.  A boy who judges not on any one's skin color, but maybe a little on their ability to throw a ball being called hateful, racist names because he dares to have friends of other races. 

So today, I am left to wonder, will things ever really change? Does having the first nonwhite president really make a difference, does it change the way people feel about each other? Or will those who want to hate, hold hatred in their heart regardless?

14 comments:

  1. The sad part, those kids didn't come up with that on their own, they had to learn it from their parents. So, until parents stop acting like a--holes the kids will follow suit.

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  2. Like Dee said, that behavior is learned. They're modeling exactly what they hear at home. Things are definitely better than they used to be, but will racism ever disappear? Absolutely not, and that fact sickens me.

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  3. That's so sad. I have to agree it's learned behavior. Whether from the parents or another source I have no idea. My kids have said some things they most definitely did not learn from me but I worked with them to correct it so I was doing my job. Unfortunately that can't be said for all parents whether by teaching the kids these things or just turning a blind eye and not teaching them right. It's so sad.

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  4. I'm so sorry your son had to experience that. It's so sad.

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  5. that's absolutely horrible. I'm so sorry that happened.

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  6. I grew up in the deep south in the 60's. I remember the signs for "colored" entrances and water fountains. Members of my family were racists--there's not another word for it, unless you want to use ignorant or hateful--many still are to this day. It is indeed learned behavior that I refused to go along with. I was once grounded in high school for having my good friend, a black girl, in my car for a trip to Dairy Queen for lunch. Mind you, leaving campus at lunch time was against the rules, but that is not what I was in trouble for.
    But things CAN change. One of my son's best friends in high school was a black kid. The two could do guitar together so well that Jimi would weep. When my daughter was in kindergarten, she told me about her friend. She pointed to another table and said, "He's the one with the hat." Sure enough, he was the only kid at the table with a hat--he was also the only black kid at that table.
    It is possible to change, but it has to come from home, I think. I'm sorry for what happened at your house--believe me, I've seen it. I think my kids are making a change for their generation. Yours may continue the change for theirs.

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  7. The answer, sadly, is NO. There will always be ignorance and hatred toward other races, genders, cultures, etc. So long as disgusting scummy people raise their innocent babies the same way, the cycle will never change. :(

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  8. I think we go through changes. Some years it looks like progress has been made then other years it seems even worse. SO sorry your son had to suffer that. ((HUGS))
    Kas

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  9. I'm so sorry that your son had to go through that. I so agree that it is learned at home. I don't tolerate that behavior in our home and teach my children to love everyone no matter what. "Hugs"

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  10. These same issues weighed heavy on my heart this weekend too, Lisa. I was reading about Deryl Dedmond and the hate crimes (murder) that happened back during the summer in Mississippi.

    I cannot believe we are still dealing with the issues in modern day. I hope you were able to get in touch with this kids parents. I'm sorry that your son witnessed such hatred. I really am. ((HUGS))

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  11. It's very sad that kids have to deal with these issues at all

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  12. Sadly, ignorance is bliss. As long as there are differences on earth, there will be ignorance.

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  13. Completely agree with the previous commenter. Sad your son had to go thru this experience.

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