Racism is defined as a "belief that inherent differences among various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others" (Dictionary,2013). Although I have never experienced any racism being used against me, doesn't mean that I have never wondered if the color of my skin prevented me from being offered specifically a career opportunity.
Because my oldest has displayed an interest in history, we recently read a book title "Going Someplace Special" by Patricia C Mckissack and Jerry Pinkney. Although this setting was fictionalized, the events were taken from the authors own childhood (Mckissack, P.C., 2001). This book takes place during a time were Jim Crow Laws enforced segregation. This meant that African American and Caucasians weren't allowed to drink from the same water fountain or sit together on the bus. After reading this book with my children, they were shocked. My oldest son said, "Ma does that mean I wouldn't have been able to talk to my friend John because he's another race?" I said, "Yes." My son then says, "Well I'm glad I wasn't born back then."
It is my hope that none of our children will be judged by the color of there skin. I can read all the books their is concerning this issue, but actually experiencing racism will never prepare anyone for the hurt they may feel if ever on the receiving end of such treatment.
Mckissack, P.C. & Pinkney, J. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.
Dictionary. (2013). Racism. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racism
Your son sounds so sweet. When I read the book "The Help" I was again reminded what citizens in this country have gone through. Even though I am caucasian, I have tried to put myself in the shoes of the characters of color in the book. It is good to remember that these things happened, so we can never let it happen again.
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