Racism - Born or Taught?

Racism isn't born, folks, it's taught. I have a two year old son. You know what he hates? Naps! End of list.
~ Denis Leary ~

Nothing angers me more than seeing a child emulate his parents' bad manners. I may not be the best role model out there, but I do certainly try to exude positive images to my children. I do not want them growing up hating the world around them. I try to live by the adage of "lead by example"- but I'll admit, sometimes it's more like "do as I say not as I do" kind of living here. Even so, I've never expressed any distaste for race, religion, sexual orientation, etc in front of my children. For me - the way a person lives their life is entirely up to them. The only two subjects I am unwavering in my opinion and will come to blows on are abortion and suicide. I am VERY pro-choice and extremely anti-suicide and - -well - I'm going to stop now before I get out of hand.

Anywho... Like I was saying....

Unless it directly affects me, I have not a care in the world what someone else does. If Joe wants to marry John? SO BE IT! If he makes you happy I say go for it! If Mary worships the air, water, sun and moon - GREAT! Hey... at least she believes in something, right? Maybe Jack is really into the drug/alcohol scene and parties a bit too hard. Not my problem! And that Joan? She hates anyone that isn't "white". Well, hey... maybe she really liked mashed potatoes, cauliflower, rice and soy growing up.

It's not until Joe and John approach my kid and tries to persuade him that he, too, is gay - or Mary tells Emily that she's praying to the wrong God and that He doesn't exist that I get upset. If Jack tries to sell drugs to my son or Joan tells my children they're dirty because they're part Hispanic - better hold me back - it's gonna get ugly. My children see the ugliness of the world all on their own - I'm not going to add to it by teaching them to be bigots or racists at home, too. My kids are exposed to many cultures, lifestyles, and people. My oldest is very curious and outspoken at times. She sees people in wheelchairs and asks me what's wrong with them. Sometimes, she'll say it in front of the person, so I'll ask them if they mind explaining their condition for her. Sometimes she gets scared - but more often than not, she remains curious and that makes me happy. She wants to hear more from the person, or asks me more questions later on about the person's condition. I think that's great! Open mindedness is a GREAT trait to possess!

I've seen some parents tell their children to stay away from another kid because hes not our 'type'. Pardon my French, but What the HELL is that?? How on earth can you say garbage like that to a child and not see you're enabling him to be racist?!? I grew up with a father that always told me never bring a Spanish boy home - which boggled my mind seeing as I AM Spanish. His reasoning for this was that he used to be one of them and knew what they were like. Luckily for me, I never followed my parents advice and was open to meeting, dating or being friends with people from all walks of life. Had I listened to them and denied myself the opportunity, I would have missed out on a lot of great friendships, memories and experiences. This is the type of message I want my children to get - not the one that leads to hate, indifference or ignorance. My children will grow up with the same motto, of sorts, that I have held onto for most of my life - when I look at people, I dont see race, creed, etc... I only see people. This country is such a melting pot - - we're constantly fitting a new piece into the overall jigsaw puzzle called American culture. I, for one, think that the diversity is wonderful, and will raise my children to feel the same.