I am reposting because many folks appreciated this diary last night.
This story was up on rec list last night but had to share my experience because this is simply unbelievable.
See:
Private Pool Club Kicks Out Minority Kids Who Might "Change The Complexion" (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
Today I had my daughter read aloud a book about Ruby Bridges and how she stood up against racism in New Orleans during the early days of desegregation. We had a long talk about what she goes thru as the only black kid in her class here in Concord. How the few other black kids in other classes never talk to her and how she always sits alone at lunch and is mostly alone at recess.
We talked about how Ruby Bridges' story is an inspiration and I told her that when she feels badly about the situations around her at school she should remember Ruby and channel her strength. I told her she should remember how Ruby made it possible for her to be where she is right now and that she needs to be strong and stand her ground and use her voice when others try to push her out or push her around.
She told me her best friend is her pet bird and that he listens to her.
This made me really sad.
I have chosen to be a homemaker because of this reason. My daughter really needs my support and care and we have long and deep conversations about racism and I encourage her to be strong and put her education first.
My daughter is 9.
Today I also told her to pray for the happiness of those who are unkind and mean to her because praying for others who hurt you only blesses you but also blesses them. Sincere pray, I told her, can bring about radical change in people's attitudes.
Ruby Bridges prayed for those mean racist folks and her prayers were answered when white families started bringing back their kids to school. They realized that they were following ignorance and only hurting their own kids. Ruby had prayed for them to not be so unforgiving and her prayers were answered. I know my daughter's prayers will be answered eventually. Better days are coming but we have to fight for them every last inch.
This above truly breaks my heart and my daughter and I will send prayers of happiness for this people to overcome their ignorance and stupidity.
Note to all who defended this diary:
I truly appreciate your support in comments last night on first diary. My daughter is doing well and is very mature for her age. We spend alot of time together and are spending summer together because of economic situation. My husband just started to work again and we are grateful just to have a job. Everyday I give thanx for being able to be at home to take care of her in this situation because so many cannot do what I can do by staying home. Her shyness and maturity only adds to the situation but I am here and intend to stay at home as long as I can to make sure she feels love and is secure in herself. We are a Buddhist family and we teach her about being connected to the environment and about the power of claiming her voice. I know she is going to do well in life. She knows about what is going on in Iraq, Iran, Israel, about the earthquake in Italy and its effect on the people. She understands the difference between republicans and democrats and who is Bush and how he got us into Iraq. She is only 9 and can have a conversation with most adults that will blow them out of the water. Yet, the problem of racism continues to be the toughest topic that we have to keep coming back to because it permeates everything all the time. Electing Obama helped it some ways but hurt in so many others. However, we would not have anyone else for Presedent right now and my daughter loves him.
Thanx for your support and I will repost this diary for others to see.