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Growing up in the South has always kept me brutally aware of how far this country still has to go regarding race relations. It's quite obvious the majority of the time where people stand in their views regarding race and socioeconomic status. However, this year's presidential campaign has removed the blinders from my eyes and thrust me into the reality that we, as a country, are still so racially separated.
I can't deny that from time to time I too have made race an issue in our home. I guess you could say my reasons were merely my maternal instinct kicking in. Let me explain.
The public school system in my hometown leaves a lot to be desired. Although, I am a product of that very system, we (my husband and I) decided we would try what we felt was a better choice for our sons. We enrolled them in the local Catholic school. No, we're not Catholic but the schools are fantastic! I feel a sound education and the ability to openly learn about religion (without fear of violating anyone's constitutional rights) in a structured setting is important for any and all children.
The only concern I had was the fact that the school system we chose is about 75% white. I know what you're thinking but remember, I'm from the South. Racism is a part of everyday life here. So, as a mom, I certainly didn't want to put my children in harms way unnecessarily.
Therefore, I would quiz my son (the oldest) everyday. How was your day? What did you do? Who did you play with? Were they nice? etc. Only, after the last question mentioned, I would always ask the following - what color is he/she? This was my way to determine (just in case they weren't so nice) if it was something I needed to investigate further.
Now my son is a gifted child, wise beyond his years. He was and is an excellent student. The first time he answered that question for me I realized right then and there that we as parents can make all the difference in the world. We can make this country a better place, a more united place, a place where race has no place.
My son looked at me and thought for a moment. Then he proudly announced in response to my color inquiry, " He was kind of shiny!" Well, I'm sure you can imagine the puzzled look I gave him. So, I tried to restate the question in a manner a 6 year old would understand a little bit better. I told him "shiny" wasn't a color. He was either white or black. My precious child still didn't quite understand.
You see my son didn't see color. He had yet to realize that he was different from the children in his class (as he was the only child of color in his Kindergarten class). It was at that moment I realized WE teach hatred. WE teach intolerance. WE teach bigotry.
We are not born this way. It's taught. It's time to look past what makes us different and look at what makes us the same.
We love our families. We love God and our country. We are supposed to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Remember, that's the greatest commandment of all.
Let's stop talking religion and start living it.
Signed,
The Shiny Mom :)
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