The article is very interesting Racism is a touchy subject itself and happens to be world wide rather your Black, White, Hispanic etc. but I find it very mind boggling to really not know your ethnicity but also I question why it was never discussed with the individuals in the article. Not saying it should be the number one topic however as parents I feel it is your responsibility to discuss culture and race in regards to that child life rather than them to experience a stranger or non stranger like a friend, teachers, and family to tell the child the difference between races that of course exist in the real world It's a learned behavior so to speak. I just don't understand how a person can raise a child in nevertheless discuss race. Racial identity should be very important to everyone it's not like any of these individuals in the article are portraying " Rachel Dolezal " the white lady who portrayed herself as a black woman and denies ever being white even when her parents spoke out about the situation. The individuals here were raised up with no self identity which is sad. Leathas005
I completely agree with your statement about Racism. Racism has always seemed to be taboo for many families. Why? Without an understanding of who we are, where we originally came from, and what our ancestors did, how is it even possible to discover yourself? When we raised our children I made certain that understood that their father was ethnically different. Did you like my “political correctness”? Even then it was still difficult to say that I was of Asian ethnicity, that I was not “white”, that I was Korean. Your statement of how a person can raise a child and never discuss race is so true. Even today. Families seem to still have difficulty explaining to their children the differences in people. I know that my children were proud of the fact that their father was “different”. They have an idea of who they are and where they came from. My mother is amazed at how much they appreciate and love their heritage, because she faced the situation as a single parent and really had no idea, when she came to this country, of how challenging it would be. Even today, I believe she still has some difficulty with how she tried to teach us about our heritage. I have never liked calling it my “race”. Seoulman005
I agree it shouldn’t be called race it should be called heritage. Heritage is a part of you. I believe you should learn and embrace your heritage. In this country everyone has different social backgrounds. We should all learn from one another and embrace it. This country is one big melting pot and it shouldn’t be divided by skin color. I believe if you talk to your kids and inform them like you did they will have a better understanding of heritage and be proud of it. Cardinals005.
i agree and disagree. I think that close family and parents should talk to children about racial identity. However i don't think it is necessary due to the fact that race does not make you who you are. I believe that race is a big part of life, but I believe people give too much power to race because when you bring that up ultimately people determine too many important things in your life based on that. For example when you apply for a job, or if you commit a crime that is all based off your race even though its illegal to use that as a determining factor for getting a job, but people do it everyday. Also race plays a big part in who you bring home to meet your parents; if you met the love of your life and they was black would you turn the a way based on race? You might not but people do. Its when we teach and get people to understand to care for others and themselves based off of who they are not what they are is when we as a society can love one another regardless of race. MelaninQueen005
I agree with you on the letting your child know about their race at an early age. Being ignorant is the worst thing to be in a society like todays. So many people would take advantage of a child not knowing what their heritage is or where they’ve come from. I find it very important that children learn about their race and equality at a young age because if they don’t they might unintentionally grow up to be prejudice towards someone else’s race .food005
Growing up in the late 60’s and 70’s was probably what made me the person I am today. I was half German and half Korean and genuinely unaware of who I was. As a child you learn, daily, how to perceive others, notice how they react to you and your differences, how to begin coping with the issues of race, color, and social status. I can empathize with Michaela, because my friends in school never cared about my skin color, or the fact that my facial features were more Asian than White. I think I realized my difference when my Grandmother, Dad’s Mother, wanted me to be on stage for a church function at Christmas, dressed in traditional Korean garb. She wasn’t being racist about the fact of my heritage, but as an 8-year-old child I could not understand why it was so important to them. Looking back, I wonder why this topic was never raised or talked about when I was younger. I am curious as to why you would never consider explaining this to your children and preparing them for much of the conflict they would surely encounter as they grew. I have learned to be more receptive to the differences in society today because of how I was introduced to racism as a child. What makes me laugh, often, is how we try so hard not to insult the other “races” and want to be “politically correct”, yet we still, somehow, manage to offend everyone anyway. We are all part of the “human race” yet we continue to make the choice of being different races. I still recall many of my friends, from when I was in grade school, and remember telling my mother; This my friend James. This is my friend Abraham. This is my friend Damon. I don’t remember bringing race or color into the description ever. Seoulman005
I agree with you concerning the issue on how in your childhood your friends never cared about the color of your skin I must say my childhood was likewise. I to like many others were raised to see no color and to be accepting of any individual no matter the color of their skin, age, or gender. This brings me back to my school days when I was growing up even in the 90's (very rare occasions) you did have kids tell you they couldn't play with so in so cause of the color of their skin. But for the most part must of all the kids were very accepting of each other. Leathas005
I agree with your post as the only time for me where race was an issue was only when it was being brought up. Race was never an issue until I set off out on my own and unfortunately because of my childhood I seemed like a racist. There was a movie I watched it had a racial term in it of course I had only ever heard of the main terms. Unfortunately I repeated them to the wrong people in which they all got upset and I was completely clueless as to why they suddenly got hostile. I don’t spend my free time looking up new names to call someone, I was brought up better than petty racism. So am I a racist just because of the fact that I am so oblivious to such terms and their meanings. Of course after a while the guys were fine, I am sure they seen the look on my face of “what`s going on” or “why are you angry” seeing that I was lost. BHL005
This article shows just how different our cultures can be in a given area. I for one can kind of relate as were I grew up race was not an issue. Sure I knew growing up that these people had different colored skin but as far as we were concerned that was it. When I started having to fill out the racial question I had to have the teacher explain it I didn’t even know what a Caucasian was. One of my best friends all throughout school was of African descent my parents had no problem nor the teachers or for that matter as far as I know it the community has no issue with race at all. I had a roommate from Peru once and asked him who are the most racist people in in America more as a joke and I’m kind of a smart allec. Of course he says “white people”, so I asked him to explain his logic “because you are”. I told him he was racist just by giving that answer. He then asked me who I thought was the most racist. Because I’m a smart allec I simply stated “racists are the most racist people in America”. I never once said which race is more racist. I wouldn’t consider myself racist but I do like a good stereotypical joke and if that makes me racist than I guess the entire world is as well. BHL005
I think the race concept is taught by our parents and surroundings, regardless you will find out what race you are, when you start going to school. I remember in elementary school, which was predominately black, I tried to make friends, and it didn’t work out because either I was too “white looking” because of my hair. It was not textured. Or I didn’t talk black. I’ve even had kids accuse me of lying about my race. It was really a struggle for me. That is where I learned about race is from school. At home we never talked about such a thing, it was only till I started school, I figured out I was black? Still now today I still struggle of what am I? I think I can’t really call myself black because I don’t really fit into the black culture. I can call myself African American because I’m a first generation born American. Most of my customs are still closely rooted with my origins. I act and do exactly as my father and grandmother do, such as all the generations of my family did. I get bazed when I think about I am African but I was born in American so I should be African American. It really annoys me when people get a shock out of them when I revel I’m not Indian or white. Honeytea005
I agree with what you are saying completely. You were born a US citizen so why not be treated like one. I believe none should be judged by the color of their skin but they should be judged by their actions. My cousin in Florida was mixed and she had a hard time with school because of how mean and rude the kids would be to her. She couldn't help it. It doesn't make since 50 years later and we are still dealing with racial issues today. Everyone has an equal right to voice their opinion yes, but saying hateful and racist slurs to people is outrageous. I just don't understand why we can't all get along. rose005
I agree it is do to our society, culture and in home. I believe that once you identify who you really are then all else will go out the window. I think school is one of the worst places to be taught things that will hender you in society, However it comes from the kids that are taught to understand the difference in race and the teachers that know better. In the world we live in you will always be judge for something. It is sad but true, because people have put in their mind what a person should look like, talk, dress and etc. The most important thing is to identify who you are to self.12mc-005
I agree with the video. If people don't see you're a darker color they think you're white so they are least likely to judge you. Which isn't fair by any means. Everyone should be treated equal no matter what they look like. Its their life so they should live with some peace knowing when they go to a fancy restaurant they think you're a drug dealer to have that much money. When in reality you may own three hotels and a ski resort. It also made me very upset for the lady in the video because when she was a little kid because her family was not white, she didn't get to hangout with a girl she probably really enjoyed being around. It shouldn't matter where you come from. You are you and that's all that matters. rose005
This is by far the best read, I think if most parents was like Fritzgeld then the world would have been a better place. I believe even though she had to figure out her race on her on when she was old enough to, shaped her to not be judgmental of anyone. Identity plays a major role in these people lives. They viewed it as equal when it comes to color. I do agree in a sense that white people have taken on the experience that black people have endured for years. Its not right but it has happened. We were raised the way Dani was when it comes to color. Dow saw no color either but to the people knowing he was white they couldnt define with him nor give him the story he wanted. Even though his intentions was good he was still a white man wanting to know about a black man being murdered by white people. So of course Marco got the insight and the information because he was black and to them he would understand,identify and recongize such mishap. I wish the world knew no color or race. 12mc-005
Racism is something that I have never understood. I grew up in central Peoria with a very diverse group of people. I have or have had friends from every race growing up and into my adulthood. I associate with everyone. When I look at someone I don’t look at color or the way their dressed. To read that white people think they suffer from racism more than blacks is absurd to me. I have witness racism first had while out with my black friends. While in high school a buddy and I were in a car. My buddy was black, he was the driver. We got pulled over for a “safety check” also got the car searched for no reason. This was an experience that really opened my eyes to racism. . I guess it all depends where you grew up. Some people that grew up in white suburban neighborhoods would probably be in culture shock if they were put into my life or the way I grew up. I believe you can learn from every race because of their culture. You will learn something new if you open up your eyes and enjoy life. Cardinals005.
I too haven't experienced much racism in my life. It is an interesting concept that white people could think they are more often the target of racism than black people. I don't really think that is true either. I have been exposed to racism though, as in high-school I saw a couple fights start based on racist acts. Racism is still existent in our society and it is a sad thing to see. It was kind of a culture shock to me to see such blatant racism as I've only ever seen it before on television or other sorts of social media. Acer005
This was a bittersweet article. For a long time i thought that African Americans were the only ones who experience racism and that is not true its all races. To read that a man was ashamed of being white is mind boggling because from experience I know that lighter skin is what is deemed "attractive". Looking at race has a lot to do with how we are raised; i would have loved to be raised by the women's parents who didn't expose her to race, because it teaches you to get to know people for what is on the inside and not the color of their skin. What was shocking about this article is that during a survey someone said "I don't understand why black people are still hung up on the "slave thing". That was devastating because slavery was not just a "thing", it was an event that shapes billions of people today and why African Americans are not trusting when it comes to certain groups of people. As a society we have got to do better instead of pointing out the color of skin we should be talking about everyone's history and embracing one another because when someone is saving your life there is no time to worry about what color their skin is at that moment you need that person to survive and we need all races to survive no one can do it on their own.MelaninQueen005
The topic in this article is nothing new to me. I have heard and seen some people that have been through these types of experiences. I do appreciate and respect the parents of Dani Fitzgerald for raising her to not see color. In society people always identity and separate each other by race. This has been going on for years and it still going on today. Look at the fact when you go to fill out for a job they want to know your race. Another one is when you enroll your children or yourself in school they what to know your ethnic background as well. I can also see where Dani was confuse because she was never taught color her parents knew she would found out her own race one day. I also loved the way Whitney Dow looks people in his life. He doesn’t see color neither. I think that racism is a big problem still today because black people were to be looked down upon and frowned at like everyone else was better. Typically today there are so many different mixed races that it’s the norm for many people to see. There are still some people that are upset by it but, it’s life. So in the last story about the two mixed brothers I definitely do agree when he said when we learn not that we’re white, black, and brown or something else. That we’ll discover that we’re all human, and race no longer divides us. Cupcake005...
A person should not have to be identified by a race. Where does that become beneficial? Why does that make anyone so much more different than you? It is cool that the girl in the article didnt look at people differently who werent the same color as her. She embraced them and to her they were her family. She was taught the culture of African Americans and thats where it made her feel the way that she felt. Everyone has their own right or freedom to cultures, religions or what ever the case may be so why in her case was it looked down upon? No matter the opinions, herself and her family stood strong and stood with what they believed in. PurpleHearts005
I appreciate the fact that you pointed out the ethnic background request on forms such as applications. I value this because I have a great deal of experience with this section. With myself being a multicultural individual, I have always had trouble when attempting to choose what I should identify with. Technically, I am white, but if I were to put that I believe I would get side looks from potential employers, because I have color is my skin. Finally I have learned to mark “other” and write “human” in the space provided. Seeing past the physical characteristics of people will allow up to strive as an evolving society.
It was kind of upsetting to watch the video but I also kind of understood where she was coming from. Looking at this woman before hearing what she had had to say, I already assumed that she was an African American identified individual. How many others did? What decided for me was some of her biological features. The first thing that I noticed, her hair. Her hair looks thick and corse. Yes any one can add twists or bantu knots to there hair but how many people would actually succeed in havin them like she did because the texture of her hair? Another thing that I noticed, her skin color. She is very light but there is typically a shade to every race. She has a shade close to an Albino. Peoples main reasoning of asssuming that she was white was probably because of her hair and eye color. The color of your hair or eyes do not define what your ethnicity is. Either way, the way that a person looks, should not be the reasoning of a persons race and people should not be discriminated by it either. In the way that the woman described how the woman of her friend acted made her seem prejudice and it is sad that she had to go through something like that at such a young age. PurpleHearts005
I feel like history is really repeating itself. In society today racism is starting to become more in the open. In my opinion I think it’s our airhead of a president that’s pumping up people who’ve been secretly prejudice against African Americans to express how they feel more openly. Just this year near canton a white couple tried to drown a mixed kid because he had half black in him. Racism is a very real and a serious issue in the world. A lot of people avoid the topic of it because it’s a touchy subject no doubt. But the realness that comes with racism being discussed needs to be heard. This also brings up another interesting movement that is going on in today’s society called “black lives matter.” Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people. Which I find interesting in comparison to this article because back then when Ms. Davis was kicked out of her white friend’s house she didn’t stand up or defend her race she just kind of took it but now society has molded African American minds to fight back and stick up for who we are no matter what hence the all black lives matter movement coming in.Food005
While I do appreciate the value of this article I believe that short video at the beginning reveals much more by saying much less. I feel as if I can connect to this topic easier than others due to the experiences I have encountered. For example, as a person of color I have faced many disadvantages such as college admission overlooking. I say this because whites are known to have greater opportunities than those of color. What I find to be even more interesting is how someone is discriminated against even though she appears as if she is white despite her diverse ethnic background,. I believe that this goes past appearance. From this video, I then wonder is discrimination mainly fueled due to association? I find this to be troubling, because as an ever evolving nation we do not seem as if we are getting far. Society is beyond a culture shock when it comes down to integration, but what scares me is tradition. It seems as if discrimination is a bad habit to break, but if we don’t work is dismantle this issue it will ultimately lead to the self destruction of society. Realize that I am not scapegoating all whites by stating all whites are prejudice or racist. I am simply stating that there is an issue at hand, and an old saying states; it takes a long time to build a house but I can burn it down in a matter of seconds.
It is interesting to see the social script being reversed with the races. I never really thought about it that way. There is a big belief in society that white people cant experience racism. This of course isn't true at racism applies to every race. This video and article show how these people can experience racism where you would assume they normally wouldn't. The children being taught to ignore color and race are of course going to have a better view of the world then a child who is raised to acknowledge would. They would be raised without the bias in their life a lot of people would have. I consider my parents pretty good in that sense, making sure I understood as a child to treat everyone equally. Racism in out society still exists and a lot of people act as if it doesn't. The truth is that it applies to all races. Racism will still exist in our society for a very long time to come, but hopefully someday it will be slowly eliminated. Sadly, there are plenty of countries in the world where racism is still very strong so to see it eliminated from the world is a stretch. Acer005
I don’t necessarily agree with the first thing you said. The definition of racism is the systematic suppression of a specific race. It is possible for people to be discriminatory towards white people, but reverse racism does not exist. For it to exist, you would have to see white people being consistently discriminated against in the past. You would have to see segregation regulated by the government working to keep whites away from coloreds because they didn’t deserve the same rights. You would have to see white men and women being used as slaves because of the color of their skin. You would have to see black men that graduated from Harvard getting paid less than a white man that graduated from Harvard. Racism is systematic oppression and has been in our world for years and for all different ethnicities of Americans. Yes, white people can be and are hated, just as black people can be and are hated, you aren’t wrong. But people that say reverse racism isn’t real are not lying. Puppies005
The white/black boundary has always been such a weird, uncomfortable topic for me. There are expectations that come with being a certain color, and when you don’t fit those expectations, things can get rather sticky. It makes me cringe, as a biracial woman, to hear other biracial people say things like “too white for the black kids and too black for the white kids”. I understand entirely how they feel, because I don’t feel like I fit into a mold either, but the fact that we are brainwashed to think that white people act a certain way and black people act a certain way is unreal. I wasn’t raised around ebonics, so I don’t necessarily speak with ebonics, and that throws off other black people sometimes. I’ve been told before that I “talk white”. Why? I also don’t understand the idea that people who talk with ebonics are illiterate/uneducated. It’s a part of a culture, not some type of disability. I guess all that I’m trying to say is that I have always been aware of where I stand in the race initial awareness. I realize that I am in the middle of two boundaries and I don’t quite fit either of them. Puppies005
This talks about a situation where a young mixed girl gets shunned because of what she mixed with. This video shows awareness on what people of the minority color have to go through specifically African Americans. In society today it has changed a little bit. Hispanics have been dragged into the world of racism. But African Americans are still mainly the target of prejudices. In the video they mention a mother not telling her child what race they identify as. I think that is a very bad thing to do because they will never know where they’ve come from. People will automatically judge them and assume what type of person they are because of their race and I feel like your child should know these things and what to expect when they fully come to terms of their race and the burdens it carries. Dollar005
The earliest memories I have in which I noticed race was when I was in second grade. In my private school class of about 24 children, we had numerous races and nationalities, but the school was predominately white. In my particular class one day, my teacher was talking about bullying and she asked a black boy in my class to share his encounter with a bully. I'll never forget the look on my teacher's face when this seven year old child told her that his bully was a white mom who told him in dance class that she didn't want her child dancing with "that n----- boy" anymore. My teacher was shocked and once I learned about that word a few years later, I was shocked as well. Being white, you don't experience racism or discrimination. My childhood as a white female was a stark contrast to the childhood of my black boyfriend. When we share stories, it always baffles me how much his race impacted his childhood while my race had no noticeable effect on mine. That's why children should be educated about race, but not in a way in which it separates them. It should unite them in their likeness, in the ways all humans are alike. lasagna005
The article is very interesting Racism is a touchy subject itself and happens to be world wide rather your Black, White, Hispanic etc. but I find it very mind boggling to really not know your ethnicity but also I question why it was never discussed with the individuals in the article. Not saying it should be the number one topic however as parents I feel it is your responsibility to discuss culture and race in regards to that child life rather than them to experience a stranger or non stranger like a friend, teachers, and family to tell the child the difference between races that of course exist in the real world It's a learned behavior so to speak. I just don't understand how a person can raise a child in nevertheless discuss race. Racial identity should be very important to everyone it's not like any of these individuals in the article are portraying " Rachel Dolezal " the white lady who portrayed herself as a black woman and denies ever being white even when her parents spoke out about the situation. The individuals here were raised up with no self identity which is sad. Leathas005
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your statement about Racism. Racism has always seemed to be taboo for many families. Why? Without an understanding of who we are, where we originally came from, and what our ancestors did, how is it even possible to discover yourself? When we raised our children I made certain that understood that their father was ethnically different. Did you like my “political correctness”? Even then it was still difficult to say that I was of Asian ethnicity, that I was not “white”, that I was Korean. Your statement of how a person can raise a child and never discuss race is so true. Even today. Families seem to still have difficulty explaining to their children the differences in people. I know that my children were proud of the fact that their father was “different”. They have an idea of who they are and where they came from. My mother is amazed at how much they appreciate and love their heritage, because she faced the situation as a single parent and really had no idea, when she came to this country, of how challenging it would be. Even today, I believe she still has some difficulty with how she tried to teach us about our heritage. I have never liked calling it my “race”. Seoulman005
DeleteI agree it shouldn’t be called race it should be called heritage. Heritage is a part of you. I believe you should learn and embrace your heritage. In this country everyone has different social backgrounds. We should all learn from one another and embrace it. This country is one big melting pot and it shouldn’t be divided by skin color. I believe if you talk to your kids and inform them like you did they will have a better understanding of heritage and be proud of it. Cardinals005.
Deletei agree and disagree. I think that close family and parents should talk to children about racial identity. However i don't think it is necessary due to the fact that race does not make you who you are. I believe that race is a big part of life, but I believe people give too much power to race because when you bring that up ultimately people determine too many important things in your life based on that. For example when you apply for a job, or if you commit a crime that is all based off your race even though its illegal to use that as a determining factor for getting a job, but people do it everyday. Also race plays a big part in who you bring home to meet your parents; if you met the love of your life and they was black would you turn the a way based on race? You might not but people do. Its when we teach and get people to understand to care for others and themselves based off of who they are not what they are is when we as a society can love one another regardless of race. MelaninQueen005
DeleteI agree with you on the letting your child know about their race at an early age. Being ignorant is the worst thing to be in a society like todays. So many people would take advantage of a child not knowing what their heritage is or where they’ve come from. I find it very important that children learn about their race and equality at a young age because if they don’t they might unintentionally grow up to be prejudice towards someone else’s race .food005
DeleteGrowing up in the late 60’s and 70’s was probably what made me the person I am today. I was half German and half Korean and genuinely unaware of who I was. As a child you learn, daily, how to perceive others, notice how they react to you and your differences, how to begin coping with the issues of race, color, and social status. I can empathize with Michaela, because my friends in school never cared about my skin color, or the fact that my facial features were more Asian than White. I think I realized my difference when my Grandmother, Dad’s Mother, wanted me to be on stage for a church function at Christmas, dressed in traditional Korean garb. She wasn’t being racist about the fact of my heritage, but as an 8-year-old child I could not understand why it was so important to them. Looking back, I wonder why this topic was never raised or talked about when I was younger. I am curious as to why you would never consider explaining this to your children and preparing them for much of the conflict they would surely encounter as they grew. I have learned to be more receptive to the differences in society today because of how I was introduced to racism as a child. What makes me laugh, often, is how we try so hard not to insult the other “races” and want to be “politically correct”, yet we still, somehow, manage to offend everyone anyway. We are all part of the “human race” yet we continue to make the choice of being different races. I still recall many of my friends, from when I was in grade school, and remember telling my mother; This my friend James. This is my friend Abraham. This is my friend Damon. I don’t remember bringing race or color into the description ever. Seoulman005
ReplyDeleteI agree with you concerning the issue on how in your childhood your friends never cared about the color of your skin I must say my childhood was likewise. I to like many others were raised to see no color and to be accepting of any individual no matter the color of their skin, age, or gender. This brings me back to my school days when I was growing up even in the 90's (very rare occasions) you did have kids tell you they couldn't play with so in so cause of the color of their skin. But for the most part must of all the kids were very accepting of each other. Leathas005
DeleteI agree with your post as the only time for me where race was an issue was only when it was being brought up. Race was never an issue until I set off out on my own and unfortunately because of my childhood I seemed like a racist. There was a movie I watched it had a racial term in it of course I had only ever heard of the main terms. Unfortunately I repeated them to the wrong people in which they all got upset and I was completely clueless as to why they suddenly got hostile. I don’t spend my free time looking up new names to call someone, I was brought up better than petty racism. So am I a racist just because of the fact that I am so oblivious to such terms and their meanings. Of course after a while the guys were fine, I am sure they seen the look on my face of “what`s going on” or “why are you angry” seeing that I was lost. BHL005
DeleteThis article shows just how different our cultures can be in a given area. I for one can kind of relate as were I grew up race was not an issue. Sure I knew growing up that these people had different colored skin but as far as we were concerned that was it. When I started having to fill out the racial question I had to have the teacher explain it I didn’t even know what a Caucasian was. One of my best friends all throughout school was of African descent my parents had no problem nor the teachers or for that matter as far as I know it the community has no issue with race at all. I had a roommate from Peru once and asked him who are the most racist people in in America more as a joke and I’m kind of a smart allec. Of course he says “white people”, so I asked him to explain his logic “because you are”. I told him he was racist just by giving that answer. He then asked me who I thought was the most racist. Because I’m a smart allec I simply stated “racists are the most racist people in America”. I never once said which race is more racist. I wouldn’t consider myself racist but I do like a good stereotypical joke and if that makes me racist than I guess the entire world is as well. BHL005
ReplyDeleteI think the race concept is taught by our parents and surroundings, regardless you will find out what race you are, when you start going to school. I remember in elementary school, which was predominately black, I tried to make friends, and it didn’t work out because either I was too “white looking” because of my hair. It was not textured. Or I didn’t talk black. I’ve even had kids accuse me of lying about my race. It was really a struggle for me. That is where I learned about race is from school. At home we never talked about such a thing, it was only till I started school, I figured out I was black? Still now today I still struggle of what am I? I think I can’t really call myself black because I don’t really fit into the black culture. I can call myself African American because I’m a first generation born American. Most of my customs are still closely rooted with my origins. I act and do exactly as my father and grandmother do, such as all the generations of my family did. I get bazed when I think about I am African but I was born in American so I should be African American.
ReplyDeleteIt really annoys me when people get a shock out of them when I revel I’m not Indian or white. Honeytea005
I agree with what you are saying completely. You were born a US citizen so why not be treated like one. I believe none should be judged by the color of their skin but they should be judged by their actions. My cousin in Florida was mixed and she had a hard time with school because of how mean and rude the kids would be to her. She couldn't help it. It doesn't make since 50 years later and we are still dealing with racial issues today. Everyone has an equal right to voice their opinion yes, but saying hateful and racist slurs to people is outrageous. I just don't understand why we can't all get along. rose005
DeleteI agree it is do to our society, culture and in home. I believe that once you identify who you really are then all else will go out the window. I think school is one of the worst places to be taught things that will hender you in society, However it comes from the kids that are taught to understand the difference in race and the teachers that know better. In the world we live in you will always be judge for something. It is sad but true, because people have put in their mind what a person should look like, talk, dress and etc. The most important thing is to identify who you are to self.12mc-005
DeleteI agree with the video. If people don't see you're a darker color they think you're white so they are least likely to judge you. Which isn't fair by any means. Everyone should be treated equal no matter what they look like. Its their life so they should live with some peace knowing when they go to a fancy restaurant they think you're a drug dealer to have that much money. When in reality you may own three hotels and a ski resort. It also made me very upset for the lady in the video because when she was a little kid because her family was not white, she didn't get to hangout with a girl she probably really enjoyed being around. It shouldn't matter where you come from. You are you and that's all that matters. rose005
ReplyDeleteThis is by far the best read, I think if most parents was like Fritzgeld then the world would have been a better place. I believe even though she had to figure out her race on her on when she was old enough to, shaped her to not be judgmental of anyone. Identity plays a major role in these people lives. They viewed it as equal when it comes to color. I do agree in a sense that white people have taken on the experience that black people have endured for years. Its not right but it has happened. We were raised the way Dani was when it comes to color. Dow saw no color either but to the people knowing he was white they couldnt define with him nor give him the story he wanted. Even though his intentions was good he was still a white man wanting to know about a black man being murdered by white people. So of course Marco got the insight and the information because he was black and to them he would understand,identify and recongize such mishap. I wish the world knew no color or race. 12mc-005
ReplyDeleteRacism is something that I have never understood. I grew up in central Peoria with a very diverse group of people. I have or have had friends from every race growing up and into my adulthood. I associate with everyone. When I look at someone I don’t look at color or the way their dressed. To read that white people think they suffer from racism more than blacks is absurd to me. I have witness racism first had while out with my black friends. While in high school a buddy and I were in a car. My buddy was black, he was the driver. We got pulled over for a “safety check” also got the car searched for no reason. This was an experience that really opened my eyes to racism. . I guess it all depends where you grew up. Some people that grew up in white suburban neighborhoods would probably be in culture shock if they were put into my life or the way I grew up. I believe you can learn from every race because of their culture. You will learn something new if you open up your eyes and enjoy life. Cardinals005.
ReplyDeleteI too haven't experienced much racism in my life. It is an interesting concept that white people could think they are more often the target of racism than black people. I don't really think that is true either. I have been exposed to racism though, as in high-school I saw a couple fights start based on racist acts. Racism is still existent in our society and it is a sad thing to see. It was kind of a culture shock to me to see such blatant racism as I've only ever seen it before on television or other sorts of social media. Acer005
DeleteThis was a bittersweet article. For a long time i thought that African Americans were the only ones who experience racism and that is not true its all races. To read that a man was ashamed of being white is mind boggling because from experience I know that lighter skin is what is deemed "attractive". Looking at race has a lot to do with how we are raised; i would have loved to be raised by the women's parents who didn't expose her to race, because it teaches you to get to know people for what is on the inside and not the color of their skin. What was shocking about this article is that during a survey someone said "I don't understand why black people are still hung up on the "slave thing". That was devastating because slavery was not just a "thing", it was an event that shapes billions of people today and why African Americans are not trusting when it comes to certain groups of people. As a society we have got to do better instead of pointing out the color of skin we should be talking about everyone's history and embracing one another because when someone is saving your life there is no time to worry about what color their skin is at that moment you need that person to survive and we need all races to survive no one can do it on their own.MelaninQueen005
ReplyDeleteThe topic in this article is nothing new to me. I have heard and seen some people that have been through these types of experiences. I do appreciate and respect the parents of Dani Fitzgerald for raising her to not see color. In society people always identity and separate each other by race. This has been going on for years and it still going on today. Look at the fact when you go to fill out for a job they want to know your race. Another one is when you enroll your children or yourself in school they what to know your ethnic background as well. I can also see where Dani was confuse because she was never taught color her parents knew she would found out her own race one day. I also loved the way Whitney Dow looks people in his life. He doesn’t see color neither. I think that racism is a big problem still today because black people were to be looked down upon and frowned at like everyone else was better. Typically today there are so many different mixed races that it’s the norm for many people to see. There are still some people that are upset by it but, it’s life. So in the last story about the two mixed brothers I definitely do agree when he said when we learn not that we’re white, black, and brown or something else. That we’ll discover that we’re all human, and race no longer divides us. Cupcake005...
ReplyDeleteA person should not have to be identified by a race. Where does that become beneficial? Why does that make anyone so much more different than you? It is cool that the girl in the article didnt look at people differently who werent the same color as her. She embraced them and to her they were her family. She was taught the culture of African Americans and thats where it made her feel the way that she felt. Everyone has their own right or freedom to cultures, religions or what ever the case may be so why in her case was it looked down upon? No matter the opinions, herself and her family stood strong and stood with what they believed in. PurpleHearts005
DeleteI appreciate the fact that you pointed out the ethnic background request on forms such as applications. I value this because I have a great deal of experience with this section. With myself being a multicultural individual, I have always had trouble when attempting to choose what I should identify with. Technically, I am white, but if I were to put that I believe I would get side looks from potential employers, because I have color is my skin. Finally I have learned to mark “other” and write “human” in the space provided. Seeing past the physical characteristics of people will allow up to strive as an evolving society.
DeleteS&D005
It was kind of upsetting to watch the video but I also kind of understood where she was coming from. Looking at this woman before hearing what she had had to say, I already assumed that she was an African American identified individual. How many others did? What decided for me was some of her biological features. The first thing that I noticed, her hair. Her hair looks thick and corse. Yes any one can add twists or bantu knots to there hair but how many people would actually succeed in havin them like she did because the texture of her hair? Another thing that I noticed, her skin color. She is very light but there is typically a shade to every race. She has a shade close to an Albino. Peoples main reasoning of asssuming that she was white was probably because of her hair and eye color. The color of your hair or eyes do not define what your ethnicity is. Either way, the way that a person looks, should not be the reasoning of a persons race and people should not be discriminated by it either. In the way that the woman described how the woman of her friend acted made her seem prejudice and it is sad that she had to go through something like that at such a young age. PurpleHearts005
ReplyDeleteI feel like history is really repeating itself. In society today racism is starting to become more in the open. In my opinion I think it’s our airhead of a president that’s pumping up people who’ve been secretly prejudice against African Americans to express how they feel more openly. Just this year near canton a white couple tried to drown a mixed kid because he had half black in him. Racism is a very real and a serious issue in the world. A lot of people avoid the topic of it because it’s a touchy subject no doubt. But the realness that comes with racism being discussed needs to be heard. This also brings up another interesting movement that is going on in today’s society called “black lives matter.” Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people. Which I find interesting in comparison to this article because back then when Ms. Davis was kicked out of her white friend’s house she didn’t stand up or defend her race she just kind of took it but now society has molded African American minds to fight back and stick up for who we are no matter what hence the all black lives matter movement coming in.Food005
ReplyDeleteWhile I do appreciate the value of this article I believe that short video at the beginning reveals much more by saying much less. I feel as if I can connect to this topic easier than others due to the experiences I have encountered. For example, as a person of color I have faced many disadvantages such as college admission overlooking. I say this because whites are known to have greater opportunities than those of color. What I find to be even more interesting is how someone is discriminated against even though she appears as if she is white despite her diverse ethnic background,. I believe that this goes past appearance. From this video, I then wonder is discrimination mainly fueled due to association? I find this to be troubling, because as an ever evolving nation we do not seem as if we are getting far. Society is beyond a culture shock when it comes down to integration, but what scares me is tradition. It seems as if discrimination is a bad habit to break, but if we don’t work is dismantle this issue it will ultimately lead to the self destruction of society. Realize that I am not scapegoating all whites by stating all whites are prejudice or racist. I am simply stating that there is an issue at hand, and an old saying states; it takes a long time to build a house but I can burn it down in a matter of seconds.
ReplyDeleteS&D005
It is interesting to see the social script being reversed with the races. I never really thought about it that way. There is a big belief in society that white people cant experience racism. This of course isn't true at racism applies to every race. This video and article show how these people can experience racism where you would assume they normally wouldn't. The children being taught to ignore color and race are of course going to have a better view of the world then a child who is raised to acknowledge would. They would be raised without the bias in their life a lot of people would have. I consider my parents pretty good in that sense, making sure I understood as a child to treat everyone equally. Racism in out society still exists and a lot of people act as if it doesn't. The truth is that it applies to all races. Racism will still exist in our society for a very long time to come, but hopefully someday it will be slowly eliminated. Sadly, there are plenty of countries in the world where racism is still very strong so to see it eliminated from the world is a stretch. Acer005
ReplyDeleteI don’t necessarily agree with the first thing you said. The definition of racism is the systematic suppression of a specific race. It is possible for people to be discriminatory towards white people, but reverse racism does not exist. For it to exist, you would have to see white people being consistently discriminated against in the past. You would have to see segregation regulated by the government working to keep whites away from coloreds because they didn’t deserve the same rights. You would have to see white men and women being used as slaves because of the color of their skin. You would have to see black men that graduated from Harvard getting paid less than a white man that graduated from Harvard. Racism is systematic oppression and has been in our world for years and for all different ethnicities of Americans. Yes, white people can be and are hated, just as black people can be and are hated, you aren’t wrong. But people that say reverse racism isn’t real are not lying. Puppies005
DeleteThe white/black boundary has always been such a weird, uncomfortable topic for me. There are expectations that come with being a certain color, and when you don’t fit those expectations, things can get rather sticky. It makes me cringe, as a biracial woman, to hear other biracial people say things like “too white for the black kids and too black for the white kids”. I understand entirely how they feel, because I don’t feel like I fit into a mold either, but the fact that we are brainwashed to think that white people act a certain way and black people act a certain way is unreal. I wasn’t raised around ebonics, so I don’t necessarily speak with ebonics, and that throws off other black people sometimes. I’ve been told before that I “talk white”. Why? I also don’t understand the idea that people who talk with ebonics are illiterate/uneducated. It’s a part of a culture, not some type of disability. I guess all that I’m trying to say is that I have always been aware of where I stand in the race initial awareness. I realize that I am in the middle of two boundaries and I don’t quite fit either of them. Puppies005
ReplyDeleteThis talks about a situation where a young mixed girl gets shunned because of what she mixed with. This video shows awareness on what people of the minority color have to go through specifically African Americans. In society today it has changed a little bit. Hispanics have been dragged into the world of racism. But African Americans are still mainly the target of prejudices. In the video they mention a mother not telling her child what race they identify as. I think that is a very bad thing to do because they will never know where they’ve come from. People will automatically judge them and assume what type of person they are because of their race and I feel like your child should know these things and what to expect when they fully come to terms of their race and the burdens it carries. Dollar005
ReplyDeleteThe earliest memories I have in which I noticed race was when I was in second grade. In my private school class of about 24 children, we had numerous races and nationalities, but the school was predominately white. In my particular class one day, my teacher was talking about bullying and she asked a black boy in my class to share his encounter with a bully. I'll never forget the look on my teacher's face when this seven year old child told her that his bully was a white mom who told him in dance class that she didn't want her child dancing with "that n----- boy" anymore. My teacher was shocked and once I learned about that word a few years later, I was shocked as well. Being white, you don't experience racism or discrimination. My childhood as a white female was a stark contrast to the childhood of my black boyfriend. When we share stories, it always baffles me how much his race impacted his childhood while my race had no noticeable effect on mine. That's why children should be educated about race, but not in a way in which it separates them. It should unite them in their likeness, in the ways all humans are alike. lasagna005
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