Fifth grade was the first time I remember witnessing racism and discrimination in a classroom. I didn't know those words then, but I knew what I had seen was wrong.
An excellent piece. Well thought out and concise. Being in an interracial marriage (my wife is Indian, from Fiji) we haven't had issues with racism. However, I do see the little old ladies walking by us in their flowing saris, staring at us with obvious distaste. My wife doesn't see it, because she doesn't care what they think. But I see it, and I always smile at the old biddies, which I know makes them feel uncomfortable. Thank God not all of them look at us like that.
Thank you so much, Ben. I'm sorry you have to deal with that, but it seems like you handle it gracefull -- even comically. Sadly, racism is a very real reality. The best we can do is be aware of it, call it out when we see it, and do out little part when it comes to showing how ridiculous it really is. People, after all, are people. Have a great day :)
Tragic, infuriating and yet beautiful - all in the same essay! I hope Mr. Eric Sanders reads this someday, if the society hasn't broken him down by now. I used to volunteer teaching programming and math to some inner city kids: it was my first brush with how these kids act much like other kids, but are put under a much harsher spotlight (I did not grow up in the US). I *knew* this from reading, but dealing with them made me feel what these kids do. They are smart, capable and can go do great things, if vindictive racists don't give them mental trauma on top of their generational baggage. Its sad.
This is a beautiful observation. Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful comment. I love the Montaigne paraphrase. I have a book of his essays on my bookshelf that I've been meaning to dig into. This may be the just the thing I needed to start.
An excellent piece. Well thought out and concise. Being in an interracial marriage (my wife is Indian, from Fiji) we haven't had issues with racism. However, I do see the little old ladies walking by us in their flowing saris, staring at us with obvious distaste. My wife doesn't see it, because she doesn't care what they think. But I see it, and I always smile at the old biddies, which I know makes them feel uncomfortable. Thank God not all of them look at us like that.
Thank you so much, Ben. I'm sorry you have to deal with that, but it seems like you handle it gracefull -- even comically. Sadly, racism is a very real reality. The best we can do is be aware of it, call it out when we see it, and do out little part when it comes to showing how ridiculous it really is. People, after all, are people. Have a great day :)
Tragic, infuriating and yet beautiful - all in the same essay! I hope Mr. Eric Sanders reads this someday, if the society hasn't broken him down by now. I used to volunteer teaching programming and math to some inner city kids: it was my first brush with how these kids act much like other kids, but are put under a much harsher spotlight (I did not grow up in the US). I *knew* this from reading, but dealing with them made me feel what these kids do. They are smart, capable and can go do great things, if vindictive racists don't give them mental trauma on top of their generational baggage. Its sad.
This is a beautiful observation. Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful comment. I love the Montaigne paraphrase. I have a book of his essays on my bookshelf that I've been meaning to dig into. This may be the just the thing I needed to start.