The Golden Rule

The topic of racism has been circling around my mind for a little while now. It's something I have very little knowledge about or understanding of, but am interested in educating myself about how to make sure that my kids do not develop an unhealthy view of anyone who is different.

I grew up in a world where it is hard for me to believe that racism still even exists. I went to school with only a handful of other races and have never personally witnessed racism happening, but I know that there are racist people out there. Unfortunately there is discrimination and hatred in the country that I was never aware of growing up. Experiences that no human should ever experience. But with each generation, I feel like the attitude of racism is dissipating more and more, as I know that my grandparents have made comments about other races that most of my generation would be embarrassed to repeat.

However, I don't believe that children are racist. They could become that way if parents don't teach them the right way to treat others, especially those who are different, but when it comes to kids I don't think it's just about race. Children can be cruel when it comes to anyone who may be different. Whether that is because of disability, weight or maybe there is a stinky kid in class. Parents should be teaching their kids to be friends with and include everyone.
I don't remember my parents ever teaching me about different races, whether good or bad, but I do know that around 9 years old I was buying my 3rd American Girl Doll and decided to buy Addy, the first black American Girl Doll because I liked her. Never heard any negative comments about it.

I grew up believing that:

1. EVERYONE is a loved child of God. No person is better or worse than another and we are much more alike than we are different. We all have feelings and the desire to be happy. We all have a plan and a purpose for our lives and we all have the same divine potential.

2. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

I recently read a blog that plead with parents to talk with their children about race and racism, but talking is not enough. We also need to "take your children to places where they can interact with people who differ from them. Encourage friendships with other children who may walk, speak or look differently than your family does."

I have always assumed that the best way to treat others is by ignoring differences as if they don't exist at all. But maybe that's not the best thing to do?

"Don't be shy in talking about differences. By pretending they don't exist, we are sending an unintended message that something is "wrong" with those differences. Many feel as if talking about differences causes divisions. It doesn't. Instead it normalizes differences and makes them less frightening."

I believe that there are a lot of times when those who feel different may be looking to see things that aren't there. Whether that has to do with feeling judged by other members of your religion or assuming someone is "looking" at you because of your race. Too many people want to be victims these days. Sometimes it almost feels like that the more it gets talked about the worse "racism" gets. We get so hyper aware of it that we try too hard to act "normal" which ends up causing people to act different. I almost feel like I have to over compensate by being too nice so that there will be no doubts about if I am racist. 

I can say that I am proud to be American though. Slavery had been happening all over the world since the beginning of time, but America was the first (and perhaps the only) country to abolish it!
Good for America! For that I will stand and salute our flag and the freedom it represents.

I guess the biggest thing I've learned lately is to not make everything about race. It's not about race and it's definitely not about slavery anymore. It's simply about treating everyone around you the way that you would like to be treated, whether they are different from you or not. Don't assume, don't stereotype, don't judge, don't hate and don't fear. Just get to know people.
You can learn something from each person you meet.
All lives are significant.