Please Help?

Question

I'm Japanese and live in south France and where I live is almost 100% White.

Somebody wrote "White Power" and the nazi mark on my name on the entrance of my apartment. I'm mentally very shocked.

How to manage my upset feeling? I have many Racism experience likje this because I have traveled many place where not many people goes. How can I think? What can I think with those wrong people? Please tell me your mature oppinion.

Thanks.

It's not that I want to know what should I do with those racist people. I need to know how to think and be brave.

Some people can think "Stupid racist idiots" but some people feel really down by those people and I am really feeling down. I need to be brave and powerful and don't want to feel down. How can I feel not down with those thing?

Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

That's awful !!!! If I were you, I would remind myself that I know most people around the world know that racism is wrong and want to be friendly towards me, are interested in who I am, and don't want to hurt me.

I had a co-worker, an African American, who came to work with us. She was the only black person working there, but we all got along great and treated each other with respect. Then, one day, she came to work and told us how her car had been vandalized, a head light shot out. I felt so awful, and ashamed, since I am white and figured who ever did this must also be white. I was impressed how well she dealt with it, by knowing that we all liked her and wanted to help her. She also had a white boyfriend who cared for her very much. She was able to manage her upset feelings and not feel down because she didn't pay any attention to those who harassed her. She found people, in this case white, caucasion people, who liked her and helped her through this, and that is what she focused on.

By watching how she coped with this situation, I've learned a lot myself. I have a lot of respect for people who want to preserve and promote their heritage and culture, but I don't have a lot of respect for people who resort to violence towards other races and cultures. If I were you I would be encouraged to know that most people think and know that hatred towards others in any form is wrong. I would actively seek out organizations in your area that promote peace, cooperation, and understanding between people of different races, skin color, nations and cultures, and if there aren't any, I would consider starting one. I would replace the white people who are harassing you with white people who don't harass you. I know there are a lot of white people who don't believe in racism and don't practice racism. Find these people and you've got it made in the shade!!!!!!! Even if we can't get the races to marry into each other in a big way, the least we can do is respect and encourage those who do have inter-racial relationships and encourage those of every race who are not racist .
It is my sincere hope that you find a better life where you are in southern France and overcome the issue of racism. And that is my mature and humble opinion.

Thanks for sharing your experience with others and with us here in Yahoo! answers so we all can learn from, grow, and help each other overcome the mistake of racism. :)

Answer 2

I remember during WWII when we had Japanese concentration camps in the US. Many people today say it was necessary. I remember as a child being told they had to be there because they would do bad things to us if we let them out. After the war they were released. Some of these were third and fourth generation Americans with no ties to Japan. The world is not fair and never will be as long as people live in it. But that was not your question. I also remember the Japanese that came out of those camps. They were the same people that went in. They did not hate or do bad things. They were model citizens just like they were when they went in. They rebuilt their lives and the rest of us could only watch with respect. They may or may not have forgiven us for what we did to them, but we were friends, colleagues and neighbors. They understood what happened and did it with the highest dignity. It is a mark of the Japanese people as I know them. I do not doubt that you will do the same.

Answer 3

Good Evening...You sound like you are an empathetic person. "wrong people" often do not realize the impact of their actions. Uneducated and neurotic and sadly just repeating someone Else's actions.
I think you are very blessed to be able to see all parts of the world and meet many different cultures. So, please spend your life enjoying your opportunities...and try not to spend any more of the special time you have here on Earth thinking about the people that cause negativity wherever they go.
Direct your positive energy and pray for them....they know not what they do! Forgiveness is a powerful tool to use in life....it helps you stay on your path...and makes you an example of a "good person" for others to learn by. God Bless...Stay yourself....We need you! But please be careful - do not engage yourself with hateful people...you may get hurt, there are more and more hate crimes happening all the time. Maybe you could use your insights to teach others..directing a positive energy flow.

Answer 4

i feel bad for you. racism is really a serious problem, and here i thought some countries are more open-minded to things like these. you know, you can confront these people and have a serious conversation. or you can consult with the police, if these incidents keep occuring. these are crimes, they can't do this just because you're japanese. if they don't want to help you, then you still have the option of leaving. but i think you have to be brave and show them that they don't scare you, and they have no right to do this to you. as a person, you're entitled to have a decent and peaceful life. good luck to you and i will pray for your safety. =)

Answer 5

think that unfortuntely they just don't know any better. Some people are just not smart or aware enough to understand the stupidity of racism. and do not be shy to talk about it with the people in your neighbourhood or colleagues, people should be aware that this happens and is very real. A lot of white people think that racism today is minmimal because of course, we don not experience it, but it is ignorance. So, I guess all you can do is not feel a personal attack on your race, but see the "not-knowingness" of those who did this and accept their lack of education and empathy, which is a very sad reality.

Answer 6

This might sound weird, but maybe a good mental attitude to take on, is one of superiority.

If you make yourself believe that you [or your race] is better than them, more intelligent, more wealthy, more cultured or wise, or whatever, their slings toward you will become meaningless.

You will laugh them off as ridiculous, because you know better. You will feel sorry for them, for their ignorance and their jealousy. Hold your head up & be proud to be who you are.

Answer 7

You can't change the warped opinions of others, or change their arrogance & demeaning attitude.

All you can do is be yourself, be proud of who you are & where you're from.

Remember that racist attitudes come from a MINORITY group, of mean-spirited people with low self-esteem.

They do NOT speak for the majority of people, who happen to be on your side!

Answer 8

Just think that; thanks God you are not like them! They must to be racist to feel powerful, and that is not good at all. Don't let them to intimidate you. don't aloud that this situation affects you. Be happy, if they tried to harm you, then go to the Police, or look for any help you can. Good Luck my friend.

Answer 9

Go to the police.

What you're explaining here shocks me, too. Although those people are only a minority, they can still be dangerous and they should face the consequences of their actions.

Answer 10

i would ignore it. but if they keep on doing that. you should call the police or tell the person in charge of your apartment building.