I found this on the Facebook page of my middle, 40-something son.
Being born in the late 70's I can honestly say that American racism is more prevalent now than it has ever been in my lifetime. It disgusts me! No one is born racist. Racism is taught, cultivated, and nurtured by small minded people with an over exaggerated sense of self importance. I was fortunate to have been raised in an environment that celebrated diversity and supported love for all people. However, I have come to realize due to the toxicity of our current social and political climate that "not being racist" is no longer enough. Being "not" racist isn't the same as being "anti" racist. Ignoring racism allows racist ideology to flourish. As Americans, we are enamored by the idea that you can avoid being racist by attempting to become color blind, or by treating everyone equally. This is NOT enough. Racism feeds on denial. It must be actively opposed. Racism is a crisis. It's a crisis of humanity. You are either racist or anti-racist. There is no third option. We owe it to our children to address our ongoing failure to recognize and respond to the powerful role that racism plays in society. We are all the same. We are all human. We have skin, lungs, feet, hands, teeth, etc. So, what makes us so different? We have all the same organs and emotions, so what exactly makes us so different that certain groups of people are disenfranchised, dehumanized and degraded based on the fact that they hold small differences from another population? We have far more similarities than differences, and all too often, we focus more on the things that are different. If we come with the mindset of love and objectivity, we will finally begin to see people for who they truly are and not their labels, exterior appearances or first impressions. Get to know people for who they are, without labels or stereotypes because those things only trap people and place them in arbitrary and inaccurate categories. Dr. Seuss said "unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not!" It's time to take a stand against hate and be a voice for change!
Nothing to add, except my pride in my children.