Laura's Corner

Don't blame me!!!!

Posted by Laura Beyer on May 16, 2011

Let’s argue about the beginning of time.  I say it happened in 7 days, you say it was evolution.  Whatever the case may be, chances are we won’t be in agreement on this issue any time soon.

How about religion?  I say that the right way is Christianity, you claim Atheism.  Add that one to our list of topics which cannot be resolved in a matter of minutes or hours. 

Moving on. 

One thing I believe we can agree on is skin color.  Mine, throughout the year, is white, pink, red or tan.  You will probably state yours is white, pink, red, tan, brown or black.  Either way, I believe this is one fact we can find some sort of happy median.  

Unfortunately, this also is one of the least publicly expressed and most heavily argued topics we encounter on a daily basis. 

I was born an 8 pound 2 ounce bouncing baby girl.  I appeared somewhat bald, sporting light blonde hair and green eyes.  I had 10 fingers and toes and passed the APGAR test with flying colors. From what my favorite Uncle reports, I was the most beautiful baby in the world.  I still believe him to this day.  

I can’t recall the conversation with God prior to my conception.  I wonder if He and I discussed race, color or ethnicity.  I don’t remember mentioning the desire to be conceived by two French, Irish, Polish and German American individuals.  I don’t believe I insisted that I enter this world with blonde hair and green eyes.  Nor do I believe that being an eventual 6’1”, "average" chest, curvy hips, thin waist, long hands and feet, gray hair or crooked nose was on my list of things to be.  

Whose “fault” is it that I am a certain skin color?  Who in their right mind put me together as I stand today?  Do I have the right to blame certain individuals, higher power or the universe?  What can I do if I am dissatisfied at the shade of my epidermis or the shape of my body?  Is there a pill or cure?   

Our parents chose one another.  They decided what color, race and ethnicity I would eventually become.  They also contributed to my genetics as well.  If my mother had chosen a shorter man from a different ethnicity, I might certainly look different.  I may have a darker complexion and ebony hair.  I may be 5'4" in lieu of 6'1".  Then again, it’s possible I might look exactly the way I do today.  

Why do we continue to fight other ethnic groups when skin color is within a family tree?  Why do we pit one body shape against the other?  If your parents, Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Great-Great Grandparents, etc, had chosen to conceive with Asians, Hispanics, Africans or Caucasians, your path would be different.  Than again, it might not.  

Until each one of us beings to accept and understand that the color of your skin and the make-up of your physical being is not the fault of those outside of your family, we will never find peace. The fact that I am "tall" and “white” has nothing to do with respect or a lack thereof for myself and others.   If I have ever blamed someone for being prejudice against me for being a certain color or size, I am avoiding the fact that the real reason someone may not like me is simply because I may not be a very nice person.  

If we do not overcome, we will never come to embrace one another as individuals, worthy of love, regardless of color or stature.  

Let’s put our blinders on and color outside the lines.  Why not go against what may have been instilled within your family history?  Why not give someone a chance?  It may not be a loss right now.  Then again, it might be the greatest loss and regret you have at the end of your life.