What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced
bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or
witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression?
When I was very young, I would say about 4 years old, my big brother and I were in the front seat of a vehicle with our uncle. We had gotten a small toy like the ones from a bubble gum machine and as we rode along, I had the container in my mouth. When he finally noticed, he said, “Get that out of your mouth, some nigger might have touched that at the factory.” I took it out right away.
When I was very young, I would say about 4 years old, my big brother and I were in the front seat of a vehicle with our uncle. We had gotten a small toy like the ones from a bubble gum machine and as we rode along, I had the container in my mouth. When he finally noticed, he said, “Get that out of your mouth, some nigger might have touched that at the factory.” I took it out right away.
I have such vivid memories of this incident; I know it impacted my small spirit. I tried over the years to justify his response, understanding that he had been in an area heavily involved in race riots around Detroit. Many in my extended family are prejudiced but my uncle is the most vocal.
In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or
oppression in that incident diminish equity?
This incident with our uncle was
blatant racial discrimination. It wasn’t against any one elusive factory worker
but against all black people. His careless comment instilled a sense of fear in
us and unfairly judged a group of people to be unclean and unworthy of our
respect.
What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
At the moment of this incident, I
remember feeling afraid, wondering what kinds of germs I had gotten. My
feelings have matured over the years; spanning from disgust to pity. My uncle
is obviously stuck in his hate. I have
categorized his behavior; and do not identify with his prejudicial views.
What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this
incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
I would love to see my uncle have a
change of heart in his old age but I am not going to hold my breath. He is as
judgmental as ever and our family avoids discussing anything that might bring
out these types of prejudicial comments. I can, however, use the information I
have learned in this course to positively impact my own children, nieces and
nephews; to ensure a legacy of acceptance and equity, breaking the cycle of
prejudice.
Tammra,
ReplyDeleteYour post is really touching and a clear example of racism and racial discrimination. I appreciate your sincere comments and reactions to your uncle's stand on discrimination. Thank you for not allowing your uncle's negative bias and comments affect your relationship with other races. I wish that everybody will learn to respect other people whether they are white, blue or black. We all have different experiences of life and opportunities for growth, so no one's life is more superior to the other. Understanding that we are different should make us not to attempt to look down or disrespect the other person who we think has not had what we term to be good life. Good life is relative and I believe all of us have enjoyed the bit of our lives within our prevailing circumstances.
Tammara
ReplyDeleteYour post brought tears to my eyes, thank you for being someone who stands up for others.But I realize that discrimination is still and much so alive as it was years ago, just not as open. I truly hope that oneday your uncle has a change of heart, and realize that we are all have similaries and differences which makes us who we are. This course has taught us so much about culture and diversity. Thanks for such a touching post.
Tammara,
ReplyDeleteWhat you experienced as a young child is heartbreaking. When we are young children, adults have to guide us and they can also put fear into our young minds. Growing up in Indiana, I know there was probably some prejudice but we had a Black mayor and we were sheltered from a lot of the bias and prejudices. I know that a lot of the parks were "White Only". We have come a long way yet still have a long way to go i the future. Thank you for your honesty.
Tammra,
ReplyDeleteThis was a sad post, but I am glad that we are able to differ from the views of family members. I too, have/had family members who have such radically different views about other groups of people. I know I cannot change my almost 90-year-old grandfather's opinion, but I work constantly to change the younger generations.
I was walking with someone yesterday in a store. All the bridal registry items were behind an unlocked door, and this was clearly where the staff had to keep all personal items including purses. As we left the room, there were two young men standing outside. They were dressed in hoodies (it is still very hot here) and were darting their eyes around a bit. They were black. The woman decided to alert the staff member that there was a purse just sitting there, and she might want to move it in case the men saw it. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I quietly aked her why she felt the need to alert the woman. Her response: becuase of those black boys. I had hoped she was going to say because of their behavior, which could have looked supiscious (darting eyes). But no. I called her out on her comment, explaining that you absolutely cannot judge someone's intent or actions becuase of their race. She responded: There is a man I work from, who's from Africa, and he used to steal from our offices.
I am shocked that she felt able to justify her racism due to one single event with a coworker. I am shocked that someone of her age, education and background would be so blatanly stupid. It can be exhausting constantly trying to educate people and change their minds, but it needs to be done. I am glad you take the time to stop and help people see the change which needs to happen.
I enjoyed reading your post, It funny because growing up I knew that there were people who felt this way but I didn't really know, I was never in contact with people who hated me because I was black, so i did't understand until I was much older. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammra,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story. Unfortunately I think many of us have stories similar to yours. I have some cousins that are very prejudice against anyone of another race. I think it is one reason my mother always told my sister and I that we are no better than anyone else just because of our skin color.
Even today I have to deal with ignorant people that judge others based on their skin color. My husband's family (not all, and not my husband) have some race issues. I have left family events before, after a long lecture, because of racial slurs. It is so disappointing to hear people I know speak negatively based on someone's skin color or religion. I have very little tolerance and I have put walls up between myself and some family members, but this is very important to me and I cannot stand by and just accept others prejudices.
It takes a lot to learn that people might not change. I am sure it would be easier if your uncle would, but unfortunately this rarely happens. And I do believe that prejudices deepen with age. That is one reason it is so important for us to honor each child and to help children understand the importance of our differences as well as our similarities.
Hello Tammra,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, there are people who do not respect different cultures. It is wonderful that you are willing to educate your children, nieces and nephews about prejudice. It is hurtful knowing there are members of society that would prefer other cultures did not exist or have horrible opinions about different cultures. This is why it is important to educate our future about cultural diversity during their early childhood years. Thank you for sharing.