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I must confess
In a recent survey, 3 in 10 Americans admit to race bias. What's so appalling is that such a low percentage of white Americans have had regular contact with those of other races.
I admit I used to be one of them, and still hold on to a certain ingrained life-long pattern of prejudice. I grew up with and had many Hispanic friends, so I had no problem with them. Like those whites who were surveyed, I was totally distrusting of blacks. I admit my ignorance. And I am convinced that Ignorance leads to distrust.
About twelve years ago, my car broke down in Century City, CA. Out of all the people who drove by, it was two African American men who stopped to assist me. They went beyond lip service, and offered to take me to my destination. I reluctantly agreed - after all, they were black!
Comments (11)
Well, they did exactly what they said they were going to do; not only taking me to my destination, but making a U-turn so that I wouldn't have to cross the street. I was deeply moved by their generosity, but unfortunately, returned to my old ways.
My wife and I now live in a racially mixed neighborhood, and I can truly say we have some wonderful neighbors, and have developed close friendships with several black families.
However, on Mother's Day, three African American female teenagers, who we weren't acquainted with, showed up at our door; one of whom was in a wheelchair. Again, my old habits re-emerged. I assumed they were up to no good. This is why we were in such shock when my wife was presented with a gift, which included a potted plant and assorted deserts. When she asked if the girls (who were sisters) were celebrating M.D. with their mother, they said they had lost their mother a number of years ago. This brought my wife to tears! I must confess, I was also profoundly affected. I discovered that these girls are from a poor family, and they had done this for the entire neighborhood.
It isn’t easy, but we are slowly erasing our old bad habits!
July 16, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderful post!
We all carry that burden to some degree and the day of true brotherhood and sisterhood is still not yet here. Its a work-in-progress, but there sure are happy signs that things are getting better and your post is one of them. Thanks.
Recommended.
July 16, 2008 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I look forward to the day when ALL ethnic groups are referred to, not be race, but simply as "people". Thanks for your comments!
July 16, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great post!
July 16, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, then I have unlearned a lot! Thanks for your comment!
July 16, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent post. I appreciate how difficult it is to overcome our own internal, unconscious perspectives. That being said, every encounter that makes us more aware of the inaccuracies of our beliefs is one more step towards greater understanding and tolerance in our communities. Thank you for your openness.
For those who are interested, I offer the following link from Harvard's Project Implicit. It allows you to test your implicit racial bias.
Racial bias test
This link, Project Implicit Demo Test Selections, allows you to select from a variety of demo tests.
As an example, my own racial bias was found to be a slight preference for white over black. As I am white, and was raised in a predominantly white community, this slight bias towards my own group does not surprise me. Based on my conscious beliefs, a neutral finding would have been my preference, but I can live with the rating of a 'slight' bias towards those who look most like myself. I'd have been unhappy to discover I had a moderate or high bias towards white over black as that implicit bias would not have been close to my conscious beliefs.
--crossing my fingers on the link structure--
July 16, 2008 4:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
"That being said, every encounter that makes us more aware of the inaccuracies of our beliefs is one more step towards greater understanding and tolerance in our communities."
Wonderfully stated! I truly hope that more people come out of the closet on this issue! Thanks so much!
July 16, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have found, that over the years, I have no greater or lesser trust for people I don't know based on color. I don't, typically, greatly trust people that I don't know. I have prejudices toward people who have many rings in their ears, tongues, noses, cheeks and eyebrows, though. I consider poking holes in yourself many times to be a common-sense test that they've failed.
July 16, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then, perhaps for some, it's a simple matter of trust. I have to admit, I am uncomfortable with those who adorn themselves with studs poked in places you've mentioned and in other places you haven't...but then again, how would I know about those hidden places unless they told me? Thanks for your comment!
July 16, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
How did allyou white people grow up learning to be bigots, anyway? I mean, it's great you are getting past it, and our hearts are warmed, but wouldn't it have been a lot simpler not to acquire baggase you later would have to shed -- and such noxious baggae to begin with? Just wondering ...
July 16, 2008 7:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
All of us white people? Gosh, I dunno. I'd hate to think any of us harbors broad-brush views about folks with different colored skin.
July 16, 2008 8:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
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