Were you ever exposed to racism as a child?

Question

How does that affect you today?

Answer 1

Yes. When I was younger, my parents had friends who were black. We went on vacation together and when we arrived at the hotel to check in, there was a "problem."

I remember the embarrassment of the black woman and that she took her 2 children off to the side to stand with my Mom & me. I also remember my Dad taking care of the problem in no uncertain terms! I'm willing to bet that hotel manager never had a "problem" with black guests after that. My Dad was livid at the injustice -- as was his friend, the black man.

How did it affect me? I've learned tolerance for all people, all beliefs. And I've learned that we need to look out for one and other and stand up for the injustices in life.

Answer 2

Yes I danged sure was. I lived on the east side of Pueblo, Colorado as a kid. We lived on the south side of Fourth Street. Fourth Street was kind of a dividing line between the Mexicans and the rest - the Italians, Bojohns (eastern Europeans), Greeks, etc. I lived on the Mexican side of the street. It got so bad that my grandad would have to walk me home from school to keep from getting beat up by the Mexican kids. They would see me going down the alley behind our house and they'd hide and jump me when I went by. It would never be just one of them but usually three or more. Once my mother had gotten me a new watch for my birthday and the Mexicans tackled me in the alley and pounded my wrist into the gravel while I was still wearing the watch. It wasn't worth two cents when they got through. It went on like that the whole time we lived there. It took me a long time to not hate all Mexicans but now, I love the language and the culture. The only time they get me riled up is with the whole Chicano LaRaza illegal immigration crap. Then they're just the same bunch that gave me crap when I was a kid.

Answer 3

Yes, I was. I learned to recognize it when I see it. I also learned that hatred still exists in the hearts of some people. It doesn't affect me in that I hate White people (that's whose been on the other side of racist comments & actions towards me). I know people of all races that have issues, so I know how to judge people by their character. I teach my kids the same thing. I'm just aware that it still exists.


PS: Reading through comments...even those after mine...and I am so impressed by the honesty and candor in the answers. Not all are "politically correct", but I'm glad to hear people speaking the truth about their experiences! This is how we learn!

Answer 4

I was raised in a small town in Mississippi. The whole town was pretty much rich white southern baptists, and rednecks. It did not help that the portion of black people that lived there were poor, and lived in really bad neighborhoods.

You can imagine that there was a lot of racism. But, my parents did not act like that. They set a really good example for me. I actually wound up marrying a girl who was mixed.

Unfortunately I had to move out of that town becuase of the reaction from the community. it became very violent and aggressive, and i refused to deal with that.

Answer 5

Yes, I was and I see why my parents were that way, they had every right to be racist, there are all kinds of racism in the world, all colors. Even if my parents werent racists I have a firm belief that I would be today, there is no excuse for the behavior of minorities.

Answer 6

i was exposed to racism. my mother taught me to accept everyone and to love everyone, but my grandparents, aunts and uncles were (and are) racist (some more than others) and i heard derogatory terms for people of every race. today i am friends with anyone no matter what their race, religion, economic status, etc. i learned from their mistakes. i've heard things like, "why do you hang out with that indian girl. doesn't she stink? indians don't take showers" and "if you ever date a black boy i'll disown you." i am more appreciative of different cultures because of their ignorance.

i currently work with children--most are black kids and we frequently discuss differences and similarities between white kids and black kids...and of course i bring up other races also. i've learned that the ignorance goes both ways and i do my best to teach the kids that everyone is wonderful in their own unique way. i even did a multicultural teaching unit to expose the kids to native american culture, asian cultures, african cultures, etc.

Answer 7

Yes - my grandparents were from Estonia and came here during the war. They were treated badly and even in the later days of their lives - people would make comments like learn english or stop dressing like that (gram wore skirts with a scarf over her head). The thing they didn't know was my grandparents learned enough english to get by and in their later years - we kids and grandkids did most everything for them including shopping and driving. I never judge a book by it's cover - and I do judge people on how they treat others and how they treat me.

Answer 8

I was exposed to it on all levels. I recall being told by my grandmother when I was in elementary or jr. high, "it's a real shame that you have to go to school with colored kids, they hold you back from learning like you should..." She was not quiet about her racial views. My parents denied being racist but they were! I acted very racist and had racist views up until high school. Now, in my late 20's, I strive to embrace all cultures and all races and to rise above the ignorance that I came from. I am very sensitive to racial issues and the opinions that my children form.

Answer 9

A lot. I was raised to stay away from all races other than my own. my family was not out right mean to other races but they taught me that I was better than. I thank God for showing me diff rent. I am a white woman & have been through a lot of abusive relationships with wite men. I finally found my Prince Charming. Who would have guessed. He is a wonderfull black man. At first my family did not accept, now I believe they love & like him more than me. LOL

Answer 10

Yes. I was one of four black kids in my primary school. I usually got the "oh, your not like other black people...you're different, you're special" or the "why is your is your skin black but your palms white like mine"

The worst experience was the new girl in the 'hood had a pool party and her mother was POINTEDLY mean to me. Everyone said she must hate blacks...I concured. The girl was still my friend, but I NEVER went to her house again.

I am hurt when I hear disparidging things about blacks...like we are genetically prone to violence.

I never was harrassed for being black. It was basically "can I touch your hair" stuff. Mostly I've been followed in stores but instead of being mad I hand them my clothes and tell them to "be useful" and I have been pulled over in my dads bmw for no reason.

I'm more annoyed by it now...it really doesn't HELP!!!