My earliest memory of experiencing racism is when I was in the 4th grade, many, many years ago. My mom and I moved from Detroit to Taylor, MI. so my mom would be closer to her new job. Imagine my surprise as a bright eyed 4th grader to be the ONLY African American in the entire Elementary School. No black teachers, no black classmates, not even a black neighbor. I must admit coming from Detroit it was truly a shock. For the most part this experience was a happy one. Always intelligent and a hard worker I excelled in my studies and was even Captain of my cheer-leading team.
In fact, it was at a Basketball Game when I was called the N-word for the first time while out on the floor cheering for my school. As soon as I heard it being chanted I felt like I had been hit, I wanted to find the nearest exit and keep running all the way back to Detroit. Instead I finished the cheer with my squad and when it was over I quickly walked to the restroom. I was humiliated! Devastated! Angry! But the strongest emotion I felt that night was hurt! My fellow cheerleaders cried harder than I did. I couldn't believe people could be so cruel.
The principal of the other school wasted no time addressing "the situation." He immediately stopped the basketball game and addressed the group who was chanting. They were admonished for their behavior, advised them those actions would not be tolerated and suspended all of them for several days and banned them from participating in school activities. While I will always appreciate how swift he was in his actions to correct this horrible wrong, nothing took the pain away. What I didn't realize at that young age is nothing could. Only time can heal those wounds.
Over the years I've experienced racism on numerous other occasions and although I will never be immune to it, I feel the very first time I experienced racism has made me better equip to deal with it. Gone is the innocent 4th grader who wanted to run and hide. I now stand up to the racist. I not only stand up for myself but for others who are are unable to stand up for themselves. I am outspoken and I have no problem expressing my disdain for racist and bullies alike.
Lately, I've noticed some not so overt racist and bully overtones from bloggers and blog groups. I've notice how some bloggers will not support other bloggers in various groups. If you're in a blog group and you support everyone listed in the group except for the African American bloggers, did you think that would go unnoticed? Well, it didn't and I'm calling you out.
Some African American bloggers choose to not show their picture or identify as African American because they feel doing so will hurt their chances of support with other bloggers. I don't choose to hide behind cartoon pictures and not show pictures of my family because we are African American. I refused to be bullied by bloggers or anyone who thinks they are better than I am because I am black.
I truly believe racism is a taught and not a learned lesson. If you are a mom, blogger or just racist individual I strongly suggest to you that you seek help. It's not acceptable or normal to dislike someone because of their race. There is No superior race. Their are only different races, but we're all people with feelings. Remember this the next time you judge, omit or ignore someone's request for help or assistance because of their race.