Hate and Racism in Society
Hate and Racism in Society
Living overseas for the majority of my life, racism was never a subject that I had to deal with. I was raised in a multi-cultural household; therefore, I was taught to appreciate people for who they are, not for the color of there skin. In relation to the story of “Boyhood with Gurdjieff”, my attitude had to be reevaluated when I encountered a situation dealing with racism. One night, a couple of friends and I gathered together to watch a boxing match between a Mexican-American fighter and a Puerto Rican fighter. With the massive adrenaline rushing throughout the room, arguments began to flare up about who was the superior warrior. This type of arguing is expected; however, one senseless soul (whose name is insignificant; nevertheless, I will refer to him as “D”) decided to yell out that, “Puerto Ricans are generally better then Mexicans!” I was outraged! I could not believe that “D” had the dignity to blurt out such a racial statement over a boxing match. To make matters worse, “D” tried to convince me (a Mexican-American) how literal his statement was. My manner towards “D” changed immediately from friendly acquaintance to enemy. How do I overcome such stupidity and immaturity? Does my hate put me in the same category as this racist? These questions and more run through my mind constantly as I think back to this unforgettable moment.
Hate is a word that I rarely use in my vocabulary; however, hate is the feeling that I had throughout that entire night. As I arrived home all I thought about was, “Why I didn’t knock this guy silly?” I called my father and I asked him how people are supposed to deal with situations like this? He calmly said to me, “Son, there will be horrible people where ever you go. Your job is to exclude yourself from that category.” I said, “Dad, don’t you feel any sort of hate or disgust?” He said to me again, “Exclude yourself son.” I felt betrayed. I thought my father would rebel with me and stick up for our culture; instead, he advises me to turn the other cheek. In frustration I said to him, “Where is your sense of nobility and self-respect!” The hate...