Racism is far from just ‘black
and white.’ So many other cultures are attacked and judged on the daily and it
is up to us to be willing to step back and walk in their shoes. What kind of
person do you think of when someone says ‘illegal immigrant?’ Do you think of a
Mexican? Many people think that all Hispanic or Latino Americans are all either
Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Cuban.. if that. Unfortunately as human beings, we
like to judge at first sight. How great would it be if we looked at someone and
thought ‘Wow, what a nice person who is probably working hard to make a living
and provide for their family?’ Many in
no way think that when they look at a Hispanic, but the truth is; that IS what
many of them are doing and a lot of the time they are working hard at a job
that most Americans wouldn’t even think of taking.
My best friend who has made a huge impact
on my life is Mexican. Her dad is not a gardener, pool cleaner, or custodian. Her
mom is not a maid and does not walk around with a life size crucifix around her
neck. They did not jump the border to live in a cramped apartment with everyone
in their family, and their moms. In fact, they are some of the hardest working
people that I have ever met and have had to endure more racism and hardship
that you or I will ever even have to hear about in our lives. My best friend is
in college, paying for it all on her own and is going to be a teacher, one of
the best professions if you ask me. She does not live in the biggest house or
the best neighborhood but she does not complain, ever. Instead she is thankful,
for her family, friends, car, and job. She is loyal, kind, and hardworking and
that is all I see her as- her own individual.
I think as future teachers, one of our main goals should be to be
culturally diverse. We are going to be teaching our students about racism and
the harmful effects of it, but do we know ourselves? Can you say that you reach
out to people who are different than you to learn and grow from them? We all
need to practice what we teach!
good- how do you put yourself into the shoes of the other- maybe a more detail also
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