stand up against oppression, racism, homophobia or any kind of discrimination

This is a primary force in my life: to combat discrimination of all kinds. I’ve been doing it since I was a child and intend to do so until the day I die (perhaps after, if my words an ideas live on). Everyone should be so enlightened to have a goal like this.

and want to do it again each time I can help

I belonged to a social organization that, when I nominated for membership a person of color, showed its true colors of racism and exclusivity. I quit, and I did not do it quietly.

I’ve never seen such close-minded ness. I’ve never heard so many euphamisms for racism. I have never seen people so justified in doing something that is wrong and pretending that it is not.

I have had social repercussions and was called a troublemaker. Was it worth it? You bet. I stood up for my beliefs and don’t belong to a group that embraces things I believe to be wrong.

Of course, there is a group of older southern ladies who seem to dislike me and make life a little difficult in my neighborhood because of it, but I have never been more proud of my actions.

one of my employees said to me, “i told that mexican that he needs to speak my language or go back to his own country. they dont belong here anyways.” i corrected her by saying that he was actually from peru and to think that your language is the most superior of all is a very arrogant, ethnocentric way of thinking. i explained to her that this young peruvian was trying to learn english and was doing well. she responded with, “i really didnt mean it.” this shows me that she was either repeating something she heard, or that she was saying what she thought she was supposed to say. this young lady is only 17; maybe we need to start with the youth—they are influential and have almost a clean palette for thinking.