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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTrick or Treat (SC: Racism)
I am 18 years old and live in Greenville, SC, I will be voting for President Obama on election day. Tonight, I was handing out candy on my front porch to kids. I was wearing an Obama mask and a kid (8 years old) walks up to me and asked if I am Obama. I said yes, and he told me that he was going to come back and assassinate me. I was completely shocked and am starting to wonder what these parents are teaching their kids. I think they are teaching them to hate.
That was not the ending. After handing out candy, I went to a neighbors house and she was laughing and told me that she handed black kids different candy from the white kids. I was absolutely disgusted and could not even talk to her for the rest of the night. My parents shortly and I shortly left after. I thanked my parents for not raising me to be like that.
Thoughts?
skeewee08
(1,983 posts)Shame on the parents of that kid & your neighbor.....
freshwest
(53,661 posts)The first case was more troubling, that an eight year old would feel that was acceptable. The second, was just plain disgusting.
People are more hateful and more open about it than I've seen in years. They are ignorant, jealous and petty about things that are none of their business. And they are certainly going to vote for bad things.
I don't have any advice for you, though.
amuse bouche
(3,657 posts)on the right track SClib. Congrats
You will meet thousands of people like those 2. Try and not let it turn you into a cynic
SCliberal091294
(213 posts)Don't need advice. I just hate racist/prejudice conservatives.
JI7
(89,247 posts)do they tend to be more liberal than some of the older generation ?
lunasun
(21,646 posts)DreamGypsy
(2,252 posts)Hopefully you will find here people who respect you, respect the things that are meaningful to you, and will encourage you to grow.
You are very mature in acknowledging the influence that your parents have had on you. Growing up in a household of anger, hate, and intolerance makes one angry, hateful and intolerant; developing in an environment of compassion, respect, and acceptance makes one open, honest, and understanding.
My thoughts about the trick-or-treat kid, and your neighbor...always ask WHY?
To the 8 year old: WHY would you 'assassinate' someone else, do you know what that means, how would that help to make your life, or the world, better?
To your neighbor: WHY does "different candy for blacks and whites" make you feel 'happy', what good does it do, how do the children feel, how does anyone benefit from your token discrimination?
Always question the bigotry, ignorance, and intolerance in the world around you.
Best wishes.
quinnox
(20,600 posts)I guess halloween lived up to its billing for you tonight. I would have gotten shivers when the kid said that.
thjudd81
(17 posts)Just remember, those who are not like that far outnumber the ones who are. Education is key. I am a gay man and experience discrimination all the time. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in.