Laura's Corner

MY DAUGHTER'S A RACIST?

Posted by Laura Beyer on May 25, 2008

My daughter's a racist?

Alright, here's the story.  My youngest daughter decided to become a part of the yearbook committee.  She volunteered her time and energy to school, staying late many nights in order to complete the yearbook for all of the students in her high school. 

To give you a background on the school, it is a Milwaukee Public School.  Many of the children are bussed and are from different ethnic backgrounds.  My daughters tend to get along well with others, my youngest being a little more headstrong than the oldest.   She stands up for what she believes in and is an honor student.  She has no problem getting along with others and has never been in trouble at school or with the law. 

Moving on with my story, what happened recently shocked me.  My daughter was working on the yearbook and had stayed late into many nights with a teacher to complete the DVD for talent night.  I gave her two thumbs up for her effort and missed her when she was gone.  She put a lot of time and effort into the project.  The DVD was the last item on the agenda for the talent show.  As we patiently watched the other students perform, I saw the excitement in her eyes.  She couldn't wait for me to see the grand finale. 

The video went on without a hitch.   Everyone in the auditorium clapped and cheered as they viewed pictures of their friends, teachers and other events.   I do admit, although I may be bias, that it was a good quality video.  Except for a couple of misspelled words, I believed that they would sell quite a few DVD's after the show.

So, here comes the day after...  I will call it THE STORM.  For some odd reason, many of the students, "minorities", stated that my daughter and everyone else on the yearbook committee were racists.  Supposedly they did not include enough picture of African Americans, Hispanics or any other races.  I could not believe my ears as my daughters went on to tell me that one of the girls went so far as to state she would "get" my youngest daughter, that she would kick her "butt". 

What started as a very proud moment, turned into a nightmare for everyone involved.   How can something so innocent as a yearbook project turn into something racist?

In thinking back, if we are completely honest, everything at one time or another turns into a "racist" card.  If you look at someone of a different race funny, you are racist.  If you state the "n" word, you are racist.  If you don't vote for Obama, you are racist too!

I recall one moment, way back when.  I am sitting in a local mall.  My purse was on the table.  A man, not naming his nationality, put his tray on MY table and decided to tie his shoes.  I immediately moved my purse onto my lap.  The last thing I want is to have a stranger steal my purse with all of my belongings.  The man was on his cell phone.  He starts speaking very loudly to whomever was on the other end.  He mentioned "that white girl", "I make 100 times more money than her", "she moved her purse onto her lap, like I was going to steal it", "she must be a racist". 

First off, regardless of your race, age or sex, this is my purse.  I can do whatever I want with it.  I don't have to defend myself.  Of course you will pull the racist card, it is probably what you do best.  So, if you ask out a "white" girl, and she says no, she must be racist too, correct? 

If we look at recent history, as a caucasian female, I am discriminated against more often than not.  I am a tall blonde.  How many blonde jokes do you hear?  Probably more than you would care to admit.  Do I call anyone a racist?  Of course not!  Blonde is part of who I am.  It is not like I am  going to dye my hair brown to avoid the inevitable. 

Anyhow, back to my original thought.  What's a mom to do?  Wait until someone attacks my daughter?  Of course not!  The solution is to address the problem and have an open forum discussion.  Is the school going to agree to this?  Probably not, but is my next step contacting the authorities? 

A few questions to the students accusing my daughter of being a racist.  Where have you been the past couple of weeks when these kids were putting together the yearbook?  I mean, it wasn't as if it was a closed group.  Everyone was invited to give their input.  Yet, where were you?  At home, waiting for the final product?  Kind of reminds me of the Little Red Hen.  She asks for help and no-one raises their paws.  She works and works and works.  The others decide they will reap the benefits of her work.  Yet, in the end, she denies them the goods.  Kudos to you Red Hen!

I say, if you don't like the yearbook, don't buy it.  It will be your loss.  When it is your 20 year high school reunion, and you are missing yours, don't blame me!  Blame yourself.   Better yet, if you want it put together differently, do the work yourselves.  Form your own committee and put the time and energy into the book for next year.   I wish you the best.  I am sure it will turn out exactly the way you want it. Give up your spare time, the time you would spend on the computer or texting your friends.  Stay up late, until 1am, and wake up early for school.  Do it!  I dare you! 

Quit calling my daughter a racist.  If she were hispanic or african american and the same yearbook had been broadcast, would you accuse her of being a racist as well?  Probably not!   

In closing, I want to say, let's throw out the race card. If something doesn't go your way, let it go.  The bible never stated life would be fair.  If someone doesn't like you,  more than less likely, it is because of the way you treat others.  Being black, white, hispanic, asian or any other race does not make you "less than".  It means you are different, as we were created to be.  Do not use your skin color as a tool to "get back" at other races.  Do not condemn me as a caucasian individual if we are not the best of friends.  Does it really matter?  Probably not.  

Until next time america!