Check yourself at the gate

When I started to think on this topic it was the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther Kink Jr.'s speech at the million man march. What a great day that must have been. We look to the future still in hopes of mankind to treat each other with equality. The timing of this day couldn't be more special to me. I had to confront a friend about racism just last week. It was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever had to do. People say things without ever realizing what they say and who they hurt when they say it. What I got for a reason, was nothing short of even more ignorance. Something was spoken in anger about a situation and that was the excuse used. "I was just so angry that this person was rude" Part of me wanted to punch my friend right in the face. I couldn't believe the words I was hearing. I couldn't believe this person who was so nice to me, could be so foul to other people just because of the color of skin.
I solved the entire conversation/argument with a simple question. Would you say that in front of the man you are talking about? The answer was "no". Then the question of WHY quickly followed. Then and only then did an admission of racism come forth. I wanted to vomit.

After some thought about why bigotry takes place, I came to a simple conclusion. The reason some people put others down is because they have used those people for personal gain themselves. They do not wish to be stepped on like they have stepped on others. They don't even realize that this is exactly what the problem is. It is ingrained in people as a way of life. No wonder there are tensions. Its so sad to see. I see the hate and distrust from people and is scares me. Who has used me to gain better placement in this world? Have I used others? I know I have broken hearts but have I been guilty of such a terrible crime such as this? I don't remember much of my young adult years. I know I was raised in bigotry. Did it spew over into my life? God I hope not! It weighs heavy on my heart all the time. It gets very confusing for me when I am around people of a different culture than my own. I find culture very interesting and I am curious but I don't want to be rude by asking a thousand questions. I suppose that in and of itself is part of bigotry. Feeling uncomfortable because of curiosity. I should just come right out and ask, huh? All I can do is own who I am and keep working on being a better person than I was yesterday. I hope I can encourage others to keep improving themselves as I go.

Many happy blessings to you this labor day... and remember, there is no harder labor in the world than the improvement of yourself by yourself.