Racism

I don't know why I let things like this bother me...seriously, I should avoid newsxb of all forms so I can just focus on happy thoughts, but I was reading this article on Yahoo this morning, and I don't know what was more disturbing: the article or the crazy people who comment on the article. Seriously? Are these people for real, and if so, why are they roaming the earth? I think I'd like to be racist against dumb people.

Racism is a sad thing, no doubt. Though I also don't think we should be so overly sensitive either. Have I just been oblivious as a child to "stereotypical" antics just to be entertained and wasn't even aware of it? When I was watching Speedy Gonzales and Slowpoke Rodriguez, was I laughing at the expense of another Mexican child crying? When I was in 5th grade and painted my face black to sing "You Be Illin'" at our school's talent show, was I really being insensitive to the black students at our school? Surely, I didn't do it intentionally. It honestly never crossed my mind! I just wanted to look like DMC.

I also think - and I'm being completely honest here - that maybe white people aren't imitated and mocked (or offended) because we are so boring. For real! We have no culture, no defined thing that sets us apart from other races. How do you make fun of a white person? I dunno - put on sunscreen and eat a cheeseburger!? Wear a polo shirt and khakis? Seriously, if you were to throw a "white person"-themed party, what would you decorate with? What would you serve? What would you encourage your guests to wear? Can't come up with too much, can you? Maybe that's why no one wants to throw a caucasin themed party - cause it would be boring! I guess its because America is such the melting pot that there is hardly one dominate race anymore. What is race anyway?? White people can be described as American, French, Australian, Jewish, British....just like black people can be American, Nigerian, Haitian, or Trinidadian. It's just a skin color. So, why all the animosity?

I'm just defending not so much the Compton Cookout, but more so the Tijuana Sunrise party. (I have no idea what these parties consisted of or to what extent they went to). I guess I am guilty of throwing a Mexican Fiesta party myself, complete with Mexican decorations, sombreros, and Mexican food. Does that make me a racist against Mexicans? Does that mean I was mocking Mexican people? I am fully aware that my Mexican friends do not wear sombreros on a daily basis and that it is just a symbol of their heritage. I also threw a Luau. Does that mean I was mocking Hawaiians? I guess I am just so confused where the line is and when it is actually crossed.

White hood, I get. KKK, I get. Even a noose, to an extent, I understand. Those are all clear symbols of racism made to hurt others. Symbols of hate. It's ashame really that people have nothing more to do with their time than concentrate on hurting others.

It's sad that people would try to make others feel uncomfortable in the skin they're in. All I keep telling myself is that all I can do is raise my children to love everyone, and in this case, I would hope ignorance is bliss. If I don't put those negative thoughts in their heads, maybe they won't even give it a second thought. Hate breeds hate. Hopefully love breeds love too.