Don’t Bring Your Hate Into My House
I’ve lived my entire life in Alabama. When I think of Alabama, I fondly consider lots of things
- Spending my childhood in the outdoors
- My family
- Boiled Peanuts
- Catfish
- Beaches
- Skynrd
- etc.
However, I was reminded recently that the hatred of the past is still alive and well. Some people in this state still embrace the racism that we’ve tried so hard to shed. It’s painful to hear and see, and if we allow it to continue, true healing will never come. I fear the putrid smell of ignorance is more widespread than just my state.
Many people think that racist rhetoric is confined to less educated people. The typical “redneck” comes to mind, with course language and appearance. This is a terrible misconception. In the past year, I’ve been subjected to racist speak from:
- Highly placed executives
- Dentists
- Marketing Professionals
- High School kids
How can there be anyone in this country that doesn’t know that racism is wrong? Our country was built on the backs of immigrants from all over the world. Yet, the small-minded among us continue to look askance at large groups of people simply because of their color or ethnicity.
My usual tact is to inform people that I don’t use that type of language, and don’t subscribe to the ideas that it embraces. This is obviously not working. From this day forward, racist talk, actions and ideas are grounds for dismissal from my life. You’ll be escorted to the door if you can’t accept the equality of human beings. If I’ve got anything of yours, be sure to get it before you show your ignorance and hatred, because I might not even answer the phone after that.
I’m not a saint. I was raised in this culture, but education and common sense have prevailed. I’m ashamed of the way I acted in my youth. It’s my duty to make sure that these actions and ideas don’t make it into the next generation. I’m making a stand – will you?