Color Blind Times

What a balancing act, indeed! First off, I can relate. My son is now a 20 years college student who grew up in predominantly white neighborhoods and schools. I myself went to predominantly white schools and colleges. However, I taught my son (as my mother and grandmother taught me), that regardless of my skin color, I was just as smart, talented, and good as those different from me. I taught my son that he would always be judged because of his skin color. It's just the way of the world. My son has friends of all races. Yet, he's experienced racism. So have I. Yet, neither one of us felt 'less than', ever! When we instill a healthy sense of 'self' and cultural pride, we prepare our children to face the challenges ahead.

I second Sandi"s opinion... I have a five year old and I am firm about teaching her to love and define herself not only by her heritage but all that personally makes her unique. When we are able to teach our children to value the inner characteristics of themselves and others they are well equipped to be awesome citizens of the WORLD.

Sister,
I think you are doing a great job and that you are doing your best. My heart and prayers go out to you and your child. My only added advice to you would be to allow your son to experience as much diversity as possible and to continue to expose him to other ethnicities, not just white. This is the beauty of America. Expose him to the world of different sports, music genres, the fine arts, museums, zoo(s) etc... In doing this you will broaden his horizons to learn about other cultures and other parts of the world.

Life is more than white schools and white neighborhoods and although we as blacks sometimes find "little havens" from the drugs and crimes that plague many (not all) predominantly black neighborhoods, we as mothers must make sure we find a balance like you mentioned in your blog. The balance is exposuring our children to others and in doing this...racism will seem really "dumb" to your son since he has seen so much more in his life and had so many more experiences than the narrow minded racists. I hope this helps. Much love to you.

I grew up in an all black community was bussed to an all white school and had to juggle my friends in both. It was difficult but I learned to accept people for who they were and expected them to accept me. Yeah my skin color played a role in some people's acceptance of me but I didn't let that stop me. I have girls and they have friends of all types. I have taught them that it doesn't matter what skin color a person has we all have our own beliefs and opinions and you should never expect any specific type of treatment from anyone based on their skin color or hair texture. We stay in a racially diverse area where no one really cares about what your skin or hair look like. Things are getting easier now and if our kids can feel secure with themselves they will be able to handle whatever life has to offer them.