When I was a child, 6 or 7 years old, I learned a lot of things.

I learned how to tie my shoes. I learned how to ride my bike. I learned how to fear an African American person.

At that age I was naive to the world. I was unaware of what racism was or what it meant.

The adults around me showed me what was right and wrong in their opinion. These beliefs were often twisted and ignorant. But at that age I didn’t know any better.
This fear haunted me until I hit an age of conscience. When I realized what was implanted in my mind was morally incorrect. I intentionally avoided eye contact with black people. If I ever encountered an African American person on the street, I would always cross to the other side. In my household, at the time, black people were portrayed as dangerous human beings. In their eyes, they were delinquents.

Although I wasn’t belittling a black person for their color, just the fact that I was afraid of them is unbelievable to me now. I even remember hearing that I should never have interest in a black man. As if it was unholy.

I now reflect and realize that what was taught to me was absurd. I don’t blame nor do I resent the individuals that influenced my views of the world at such an early age. They grew up in a society filled with prejudice, misconceptions and ignorance. Unfortunately in those days, it was normal to be racist.

In the 17 years I have lived, society has dramatically changed into becoming a more accepting world.

But it’s still not perfect. Racism hasn’t been eliminated. It has only evolved.

White supremacy, racism, sexism and homophobia is still seen, even in the White House.
It all starts at home.

As I continue to age, I plan to pass on what’s right to me. And that is a code of ethics for all living human beings. When it’s time to have children I certainly do not want my kids to have the same mentality I had.

No one is born racist, sexist or homophobic. It is taught.

It seems to me that every next generation is less racist, more tolerant. Something that should persist.

Contribute to society, don’t make it worse.