My Evolving Views on Racism

Like many others, the recent situation in Ferguson, Missouri has had me thinking more about race and why it is such an issue in this country. Six years ago, something like Ferguson would have had me thinking about "them" and how "they" react by rioting and destroying their own community. Today my thoughts are very different. I still think the rioting is inexcusable. I don't know if the shooting was justified or not. I've seen evidence to support both points of view. The difference in my thought process is that now I think about it. I don't jump to conclusions. I think of the individuals involved and affected by what has happened. I no longer lump people together into a faceless group. It is not that simple. (I should add that people that jump to the conclusion that the cop was wrong just because he is white and the person he shot was an unarmed black teenager are guilty of the same kind of prejudice.) Regardless of the facts that end up coming forward, it is probable that there will still be many people that stick to their initial opinion of what happened.

Today I came across THIS video from Morgan Freeman, which I found thought provoking. I agree that black history is American history. Unfortunately, aside from slavery and segregation, black history hasn't really been included in American history. If we just went by the history books, we would be led to believe that black people have been nothing but oppressed and haven't contributed much other than an abolitionist or civil rights leader here and there. Black patriots, authors, scientists, political leaders, etc. are usually not mentioned. Nor are Latin American, Asian or other minority figures. I have nothing against Black History Month and I think we do need to talk about race, but I would love it if we evolved as a country to the point where these things weren't necessary. I just don't think we're there yet.

I guess my cultural evolution really started with my mission in Argentina when I learned to see people from Latin America in a completely different way, and now it has grown to include people of all different shades. Over the past six years - since we adopted Baylie - my mind has expanded in unbelievable degrees in relation to race, culture, relationships, history, religion and more. I still fight my internal prejudices and try to be aware of them. There is good and bad in everyone. All people are right about some things and wrong about others. Problems arise when we start to think of each other as groups instead of as individuals. We tend to cling to those that make us feel like we are right and that our viewpoints are on track. We don't like to consider that we may be wrong. I think this applies to all people, not just one race or group.

I don't have any profound words or solutions, but I do have an opinion about how to overcome racism and prejudice. It's very simplistic and naive, but I think it's the only effective long-term solution. It is for us to reach out of our comfort zones and make a conscientious effort to get to know and establish relationships with people from backgrounds that are different from our own. That applies to more than just race. It includes religion, politics, economics and more. I have often met people who have a preconceived notion of Mormons and are surprised to find that I don't fit their mold.

I want to follow the examples of my children. They don't have "white" cousins or "black" friends. They just play. They know that people look different, but it isn't a problem for them. They give everyone the same chance to be their friend. I know we're not there yet and things like Ferguson make it seem like we're further than ever, but my personal friendships convince me that there is hope. Things like Ferguson also remind me that I should be doing more and trying harder.