Reverse Racism is Just as Bad as Racism - Let it Go!

I grew up in an all black neighborhood, and went to an all black school. I am not exaggerating this fact at all, as I was one of only 6 white kids in my entire elementary school. One of those six kids was my sister.

Almost all of my friends and neighbors were black, and I never really noticed when I was growing up that I was far and away the minority. That is, until one day in my fourth grade class, my teacher decided to whip me for taking up for myself in a fight that she knew I had not instigated, and tried to avoid.

The entire episode happened right before her eyes, and yet she wished to paddle me, and not my black friend. Yes, she was black. This was my first experience with racism, and it was blatant and very clear. I went on being friends with all my black friends, and saw them in the exact same light as I always did. Nothing changed for me, other than the fact that my teacher was clearly racist.

The argument that racism breeds reverse racism simply is not true. I was, looking back, the minority and dealt with many issues that I simply didn't have the knowledge or maturity to recognize as racism back then. Over time, I began to realize why these things were happening to me, and my fellow white students.

I was completely aware of the racism later in my lifetime, as I went on to schools that had more of an even mix. I recognized racism in my fellow white students at that time, and fought to change them at every opportunity. I have never been one to step away from a moral challenge and have had my share of battles with racism both white and black.

The way I see it, I went through many years of racism, but because my heart and mind wasn't closed by my Parents early on, I also gained an important lesson in race relations. The simple fact is that people are people, and there is good and bad. It is not because of the color of skin they wear, but because of what is on the inside.

The reverse racism that is going on in this Country is every bit as bad as the racism doled out by many whites. Go to the ESPN message boards sometime, and take a look at the posts about Tank Johnson, or Michael Vick. It will turn your stomach. Look at OJ Simpson, who many people will proudly proclaim that they know he was guilty, but they are glad he was found innocent.

Being a certain color, and having wrongs done to you in the past, does not give you the freedom to go out and create new victims. That is exactly what is happening in today's society. People who have experienced racism, will then turn on the race of the person that hurt them, instead of the person themselves. That is so idiotic and scary that I wonder if our society will survive?

Well, I am a middle aged white man, proud of my race, and proud of my black friends and family that have supported me in my life. The next time I pass you on the street, please know that I love humanity, and I know no colors. I do know a racist however, and I know what they sound like. They are victimizers and liars. They will judge you for things your brother may have done. They will use the past to push their hatred on you, and try to pull you down to the depths with them.

I also know what they look like......... They have black and white stripes.

Let's love one another.