Karenelaine...I needed that this morning...thank you for your approval and I'm so proud of you for teaching your daughter to be color-blind when it comes to people. You are a very special Mom and a grand lady. Your daughter is lucky to have you as her Mother. I'm proud of you, too.

Hugs

I'm up here in the North; and, at the moment, I know many nicer
black people, than I do white people. Inside sweetness is the
same, no matter what color skin a person may have!!!! IMO...

Dee, I did what I always do when ignorant people talk to me or someone else in that manner. I tell them I will not listen to talk like that and I walk away. I have been called worse.

I realize times change, and we need to learn to accept changes, good and bad. However, being in education for so long (20+ years), I think one of the saddest changes is the way people talk to each other. They are role models, albiet poor ones, for our children. The words and disrespect that come out of people's mouths these days saddens me.

Oh thank you so much, Dee!! Your words made my day!! Hugs

The first time I came in contact with any form of racism was when I was 12 and my family moved to Chicago. From the moment I grew my tongue, I spoke out against racism, sexism, religionism, homophobia etc. -- and not nearly as polite as you, Dee.

I've been know to look someone straight in the eyes and calmly say, "Studies show that people who have prejudiced attitudes are either highly insecure or really stupid. Which are you?" -- stare for 5 seconds, and then walk away.

Subtlety has never been my strong suit.

It takes self-restraint to do this.

I can remain calm and smiling even as the smoke comes out of my ears. It's a talent much like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time.

Divine,
I love your candor! You go girl!

Anno, I totally agree. Ewww, I heard a woman at the mall yesterday talking to her two year old with such disgust, I couldn't help but stare and share a look of shock. When adults begin talking to their kids that way at SUCH an ealry age, waht comes out when they begin talking? Pitiful.

Merideth...I wish I could think quickly and with such coolness as you when I'm pissed off but unfortuntely that doesn't always happen. I try to be calm but it doesn't always work. But, I'm going to try and remember what you said for next time.

Orchid...Yep...I agree.

Jabber...I understand completely. Been there, too. And I tell you what...my black friend aren't obsessed with talking about whites the way whites are talking about 'the blacks'. I just don't get that part of the culture down here. And what's even more strange is the folks who run down the blacks don't have friends who are blacks, have never been in their homes, have never associated with them and yet they seem to know all about 'the blacks'. I have gotten up and left a room when the topic turned because I don't want to be a part of that ignorance.

Anno...you're right, too. Kids practice what they see, repeat what they hear and learn hate before they realize what it means...it continues all over. So sad

Dotsie...Don't you sometimes want to snatch a parent bald headed for how they talk to their children? It's sad to see and hear.