Any formerly racist people out there?

Question

Why were you racist before? What happened that changed your mind? How can I use what you've learned to help spread acceptance and understanding between all races?

I don't have much contact with racism, because my community is mostly open and accepting.

Ok, people... I don't want to antagonize anyone who may be able to help! I know that there are people who have changed their minds about being racist. It can happen. I want to hear from them, not upset them.

Please, people - I don't want to hear from currently-racist or never-racist people, only people who have learned better.

I'm learning a lot from this question - I must be pretty sheltered in my area. There's a lot of hatred out there I don't see on a daily basis.

Answer 1

There is no such thing. Everybody is a bigot about someone or something: religion, skin, language, ethnicity, wealth, social status, etc. What's important is having the maturity to admit you're wrong and to be aware of it.

I grew up in a place where bigotry towards a specific group was considered acceptable: my family did it, my neighbors did it, and I did it. Though the stupidity is still in my head, I know that *I* was wrong and try to be aware of my motivations and actions, and stop others who say the same things.

No, it doesn't matter who the people are that I was taught to hate, I shouldn't. The people did nothing to deserve it.

Answer 2

my father was raised in the depression and when he was 18, he had to sign out a tool from the supply room for a black man to use (obviously my father was white, saying 'was" since he passed in 1998). As time went on and certain racial issues were forced upon him, his family (as I was in Charlotte, NC at the time and one of the first people to be "bussed" to insure racial balance, he grew bitter towrard the government and their actions contrary to the way he grew up. I knew nothing of racial hatred and politilcal games (Viet Nam) as I was 8-10 years old and was playing baseball and learning about girls. During my time in the military (3rd Herd, Arlington Cementary) I say first hand how reverse racism effected me and has ever since. Now, with the MANDANTORY dual English/Hispanic publications. it's starting all over again. THIS IS AMERICA. If you call pride in my heritage (since 1752) racism, then so be it. Evevyone else that moved to this country since 1620 has had to learn English to survive and get along and now we are forced to deal with double standards. If I were French, German, Italian, Polish or any other "foreign" person moving to America and they did not publish government forms for me, is that not prejudicial and racist? Everyone has some racism in them and it is at least equally the same whether your white or black. Try getting directions in a mostly black neighborhood, if your white, and see how you do, tht is if you have the nerve to stop and ask. Now tell me who's the racist? WE all are, like it or not.

Answer 3

People have to understand that a certain group of people do not fit a particular stereotype. And that if you base your self identity on colour or lines drawn on a map. Then you are limiting your growth. I feel there are no blacks, whites, Africans, Brazilians, Russians etc. The world was not created with lines marking boundaries! We are all the same people, whether the want to except it or not is up to them.

Answer 4

I know lots of people who were NOT racists, until they got around other races.

Answer 5

I don't like certain group of people, but I'm not sure if that makes me a racist though.

Answer 6

I have a hit list if there are!

Answer 7

There's nothing you can do...