The words we say, the deeds we do, the gestures we make all color the world our children grow up in. Why can't we all just get along?
It is so tiresome to me, this business of race. I hold myself far above those who choose to define a person by the color of their skin, the country they come from or their religous beliefs. Or do I?
If you ever wonder how people perceive you, look to your children's actions and words. Children learn by imitating.From the day they are born, their little eyes and ears are atuned to our every moment - their protectors and teachers - for the ultimate guide to life. Sometimes I wonder, what in God's name are we teaching them?
I am not going to blind myself to other environments my children have been exposed to since birth in order to fully understand some of their views as adults, but I know that as parents, we had the very first and most influential impact on their views.
Children learn by the words we speak, the gestures we make and the discussions we partake in around them. Many times,it isn't even the conversations we have with them - it is the conversations we have with another adult while they cling to our leg - the gestures we make while frustrated behind the wheel of the car and other everyday occurances we never once think about.
If that is so, then what can we do to change what our children learn? We have to change our own hearts. When you change from the inside, it is reflected on the outside. It colors the words you speak, the actions you take and relationships you have.
The first tool of change is knowledge. Ignorance is often the catalyst for biogtry. To eradicate bigotry, we have to learn about those things that are different than we are. Knowledge will replace fear and where there was once hostility, compassion will reign.
Suite 101.com is happy to announce a wonderful new column that will challange and teach - so that in turn, we can nurture the next generation! Please join Gabriella Beckles at: www.racism.suite101com.
