How do I stop being racist?

Question

I really want to stop being racist. I grew up in a family where my father used the "N Word" constantly and always taught us that we (whites) were better than everybody else. Of course over time that influence rubbed off on me. I just want to love everybody for who they are and not their skin color but its so hard sometimes especially when I come across a lot of racist people of color myself. How can I get past this and overcome my racist background and look for the person inside instead of their racial background? Thanks.

Answer 1

You've already taken the first step. You've admitted to having a previous upbringing and problem influenced by racism. All you have to do is continue to take baby steps along the right path. Nothing happens overnight, but you are headed in the right direction. As a black man i applaud you and am proud of your struggle to be a better man than your dad, and many others. I pray that others will follow your lead of courage and unity. You are a shining example of humanity!

Answer 2

Racism is an acquired trait. How can you stop being racist if you don't leave and move somewhere where you are completely isolated from Negroes? I was watching Survivor (the last season) and all of the blacks pulled out the race card. We made bets on which one would pull it out first!
Your father is a wise man, and you are not so bright! Listen to the man, son! He will not guide you wrong. He loves you. Don't be a dummy.

Answer 3

You are an individual with your own good qualities,, You make your own choices, When you are being racist try to put yourself in the place of the person you are abusing, Would you like to be called names, spat at, abused, if it was your child or a family member you hold dear would you like someone to do that to them, Try and move on from your father's way, Parents are not always right, I am a parent and we can make mistakes but I try hard in life not to put my opinions onto my kids, They have a right to have their own, I understand that your father may have influenced you over time but you have the right to take either of two paths, Either Join the crowd or Walk away from it and stand up for what is right, It is really like saying because my father killed someone, its ok for me to go out there and do the same ( extreme example but put it into perpective) My parents were very strict and controlling when I was younger and it made me very miserable and fearful of the world, When I had kids of my own I remembered what life had been like for me and I vowed not to be the same, My parents way was the only guideline I had for bringing up my own children, I did not join them and repeat history, I walked away and did things completely differently, I had a choice and I wanted my children to be Happy and they are, We are all different, Everyone's skin colour is different, there are all sorts of different white skin tones and that is what it is, skin. underneath is a person with feelings, Suggestion, Why don't you surf the internet and find out about different cultures, you may find it interesting and you may find that as people they are no different, Everybody strives for survival, Family Values, Look for positives, Think back also into history back to Slavery and see what Ethnic groups suffered at the hands of us, Imagine your life like that, I think then that you may see a different side.

Answer 4

- go to a racial tolerance class.
- educate yourself on what people of other cultures have brought to your country.
- remember that having pale skin does not mean that you are not also a member of many different cultures.
- read a book or watch movies made by people of other cultures about subjects you like - you may find you have more in common than you think.

tell your dad that you absolutely will not tolerate any racists remarks when you are together - if he can't keep his mouth shut, leave.

Answer 5

Use common sense, first of all. How are whites better than anyone else? They have their fair share of undesirables, just like any other race. Every race has good and bad. But we all bleed red and we all want to be happy, right?

You probably haven't spent much time w/black people. Get to know a few. And read some books by black authors, both fiction and non-fiction. Walter Mosley is really good.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step and you've already taken it so good luck! I love to surround myself with people of different races. It makes life so much richer and more rewarding. You don't know what you're missing!

Answer 6

Spend time around people of color, get to know them as individuals (so that you think of him as "my friend, David" instead of "my black friend, David"). Also, try reading books written by or about people of color to get their unique perspective. Try getting to know a diverse group - there are more colors than just black and white! Try learning about Asian, Indian, Native American, Latino, Hispanic people/culture/history as well.

Check your local college and sit in on a class on race relations, sociology, history of race, etc.

Keep trying! You're on the right track, and I applaud you for having the maturity to question the lessons you were taught growing up, and question their validity for yourself. Yes, racism exists, from all sides of the color spectrum, but there are lots of people who get along peacefully and appreciate what the other has to offer.

Answer 7

I think you should stop hanging out with other racist people because they are the ones who are influencing you right now. Try to hang out with people of different skin colors and make friends with them you will see that there is nothing wrong with being black, mexican, asian, or any other race.

Answer 8

You might as well stop because it is getting you nowhere.All that hate is going eventually make you sick,it's going to eat you alive.It makes no sense to hate people that haven't done a thing to you,just because their skin is different.

My advice to you and your family is get used to it,we are here to stay.We are born Americans and we are going to stay that way till the day we die?

Answer 9

i was brought up in a family who dont like catholic's.
in our country, we have had for as long as i remember. the trouble's in n.i and scotland for whatever reason is wraped up in the mess .i end'ed up in the army as soon as i left school at eighteen and end'ed up in n.ireland on tour.
what an eye opener that was i'll never forget it either!!
i learned the hard way .i am glad that you'll never experience what i have or see.for that matter because it's not pretty
we all have the same colour of blood

Answer 10

During the 1700 white people are considered supreme.They were elite and can afford to go to school. and all the colored are considered classless because most of them don't know how to read and write.The whites don't want them to go school....The beauty of the human race is our different colors and cultures, but we are all precious and equals to the eyes of God. I see a person not his color,education,bad or good attitude,rich or poor,beauty or ugly, but that he is a life and he is a very precious human being.