May 05 2008
In Your Face Racism
We often talk about racism and how we will react in different
racially charged situations.Well,yesterday I experienced, ” In Your
Face Racism.I was at the local mall with my kids waiting for the
ticket booth to open.(We had to stand outside a gate).While
waiting a white family also walked up to the gate.After about 10
minutes,they let up the gate.However,there was misunderstanding
about who should get their tickets first.{you think that grown-ups
could of worked this out without resorting to making racially
charged statements,specially with the kids standing there}.
Nevertheless,the white male decided to bring up the whole
Jena ( the Jena 6 ) situation.He even went as far as to say
that he should of brought his rope with him.
I don’t know if it was the fact that I’m a Christian,if it was because
I knew that my kids were watching,or because I could tell how
childish this guy was acting.Whatever the reason,I looked at him
in disbelief,and then stepped up to the ticket counter and paid for
our tickets.
After we left the mall,I discussed the situation;how the white man
reacted and how I reacted.I let them know that they have to be
ready to react positive to,” In Your Face Racism.”
We can’t control what other people say or do.However,we can
control what we say,do,and most importantly;how we respond to
what they say or do.
I believe we’re going to have to do like they did doing the Civil
Rights Movement.During that era,the people trained the people
how to react to the negative things that were said and done to
them.
Yes,I know that racism is alive and well( I just experienced it
yesterday ).However, I refuse to let racism taint the way I feel
about my white friends and associates.And I have to teach my
kids to respect other races and our differences
- garry b
