At five years old I became a target of prejudice. I was in line at a McDonald's restaurant and there was a Caucasian boy in line with his family. I proceeded to play with him and he responded to me by saying leave me alone nigger. At that age I hardly knew what the word meant but I knew it was nice by the look on my parent’s faces. My mother put me in line next to my father and I asked why I couldn't play with the boy. My mother then told me that some people were not as friendly as we were and that I could not play. The parents of the young boy never acknowledged that what he did was wrong. Everyone was looking really funny at the family. Now that I am older I am really proud of my parents for not acting out of their character.
When we received our food and sat to eat my mother explained to me what the word nigger meant and where it came from. She explained to me that some people are still prejudice and they teach their children to be prejudice as well. This was the day that she also told me that I should never treat anyone different because of the color of their skin, their religion, or because they don't speak English well. Being subjected to this kind of prejudice does diminish equity because we are all created equal. But even today this has proven to not be a true statement. I was judged because of the color of my skin and not the content of my character.
After my mother explained to me what the word nigger meant I was very hurt and disappointed that someone would actually teach their child to be a racist at an early age. The only way that I see this type of behavior changing is that the dominant culture realizes that slavery is over and that we live in a totally different world now. Our communities are better and for the most part there is no reason for racism and prejudice to still be a part of this world that has become so full of all type races. In order for this situation to become an opportunity for greater equity we must learn to respect each other's differences and do away with being prejudice because we all are the world.
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteYour parents really handled that difficult encounter in a positive way, as well as made it a teachable moment for you, without the hate and negativity. Children notice difference, and we know they are not color blind, however they are not born with hate, and prejudice, those are terms that are taught with such negative intentions..
Sharon, wow I am so sorry that you had to go through this experience as such a young child. But, on the other side I am so glad that you had the opportunity to go through such an experience at such a young age, because it gave you an opportunity to see how some people are so different from others. I totally did not like the fact that the child's family did not correct his wrong behavior. However, I love the fact that you said your family did not react. That is such an important thing to remember. My parents used to tell me, "it's not what people call you, but its what you answer to." That particular day you should have learned, you don't have to respond to every hurtful event. Sometimes, not responding builds character and makes you stronger. Thanks for being brave enough to share your story.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you had this experience. Your parents sound like amazing people! They did a great job of teaching you to be an open and loving person to all. It sounds like they were able to explain prejudice to you in a way that strengthened your pride, rather than tearing it down. Thank you for sharing this difficult experience with us.
Melissa
Hello Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI can’t believe that little boy’s parents didn’t say something to him. Silence can speak volumes. Not correcting children immediately in a situation like this tells them that it is ok. I wonder how that little boy is today. At least your parents took the time to explain to you what the word meant and why it was wrong for that little boy to say that to you. Kudos to them! Thank you for sharing!