Racism- It Becomes Too Common

Racism Has Become Numbing

Racism-We are getting immune to it. We watch the nightly news and it is like a fill-in the blanks.

I am sure almost everyone saw the video of the deputy dragging a black female from her desk and then subsequently throwing her to the ground. Were you shocked or were you numb and immune? But the thing is, most people have just become used to it.

News Cycle Keeps it Going

In the last few years in particular, I have watched so many similar incidents draw national attention before gradually subsiding in the face of a newer, more gripping tragedy. Names, faces and stories have grown increasingly muddled and vague over time. A man, woman, child, student, veteran, disabled person, homeless man was shot, stabbed, assaulted, ambushed, belittled by a police officer, store owner, teacher, neighbor, sociopath.

Sensationalism

Then the news cycle takes over the jumps into the victim’s families faces and drudge up old pictures and scene until after the funeral. Then we have another victim and we start all over again. We have become accustomed to people suffering and it has become the norm. Which is sad.

Do not allow yourself to forget that this is happening, because even as the relevance of the story wanes in the media, its impact is still very real and profound.

Ignorance

Racism shows no love, unity, harmony or peace. It is ignorant. It incites hatred, anger, fear, guilt, low self-esteem, superiority, inferiority, terrorism and other crimes. It has to be faced head on to be dealt with and not simply shoved under the rug, because people in general do not want to address this issue. Racism has no place in a civilized society.

I Peter 4:17: For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Diversity and My Grandchildren

 

I have been thinking a lot about the word diversity ever since my son and his family have made a decision to move to another part of the United States that will be rich in diversity. I looked back at their past (and mine) and sensed that it is sorely lacking in the current status.

Now there is nothing wrong with where they (or I) are at, but in my words, it is very vanilla. They will be given many opportunities and experiences in the future that they wouldn’t have gotten. I endorse this for them as it will make all of them (adults and children) better people when surrounded by diversity.

What is Diversity?

Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own and those of groups to which we belong, but are manifested in other individuals and groups. Dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital or partner status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience and job classification.

Why is Diversity Important?

Diversity provides a lesson for each of us to be okay with and open to those things that set us apart and understanding and accepting of people for who they are.

Cultural Awareness

Being culturally aware provides an opportunity to stand back and consider that there are certain backgrounds, personal values, beliefs and upbringings that shape the things we all do. Something that is considered inappropriate behavior in one culture may be perfectly appropriate in another.

The Opportunities for my Grandchildren

Learning about other cultures helps us relate to one another and be okay with different perspectives. Think about my grandchildren in school! They have some unique chances to experience more of the world and never leave their classroom.

With the support of research, theorists and experience, the inclusion of multiculturalism within classrooms just makes perfect sense! Think of it…providing young children with endless opportunities and exposure to beautiful traditions, music and rhythms, instruments, celebrations, books, people, homes, art; and that is just to name a few!

 

I have been thinking a lot about diversity and my grandchildren.

 

“Diversity is the one true thing we have in common.”