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
Hi Garry,
It is really bad that this happened to you. But I think that you responded in the best possible way. I’m not sure what motivates people like this, but I am sure that some of them want a fight or a scene.
I feel weird admitting this, but it was only recently that I realized that racism really does still exist. Part of it may be that I am white, so I may be removed from it, and I live in the north. I don’t mean to be insensitive, but from what other people have told me, it seems that racism is more common in the south. I can’t think of a situation where I have seen anything like what you described around here.
I’m a Christian also and I am reading a book called “What’s so Amazing about Grace?” by Philip Yancey. It’s really a great book. You should check it out. The reason that I mention it is because what happened to you could be an example right out of this book. The author explains the cycle of revenge that happens over and over and escalates as people seek vengeance for something that another group did to them. The only way to break the cycle is to offer grace, forgiveness, especially in a situation where the forgiveness was not deserved, just as God has forgiven us.
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Yeah…a real pity with the kids there. You handled the situation very well though. Still shows there are many who are hell-bent and carrying on the vestiges of an era that is no more…
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So sorry that happened to you and your family. For anyone to be so nasty over some tickets is unbelievable. You are the better man for handling it so well.
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It is unfortnate that your children had to witness such an incendent. But it is important that they know that racism exist in our society. Like you said, “racism is alive and well.” It is up to us to respond in a positive matter. I, like you, see it every day. God bless you and your family. Stay strong.
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7
Peace
C
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I feel sorry for him. I’m sure he has many more limiting beliefs. Its easy to forget how self-limiting racism is when its in your face.
Tom
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