A Little Tolerance, Please Podcast
With all that’s happened recently – “Jena 6,” noose hangings in various parts of the country, a Texas high school water fountain marked for “Whites” and “Colored” - it’s clear that racism and tolerance are concerns that need to be addressed. We spoke with parents and teens around the country about this important issue.
Is racism and tolerance talked about in your home?
“In my family, racism and racial tolerance is talked about all the time. We often share our experiences with racism and how we feel about people of other races. We often discuss how to deal with people who might have prejudice against people of our racial background.”
Leslie, 18, Bronx, NY
“It’s not really discussed, unless prompted, but even then not much is said, as it's felt not much needs to be said, if you know what I mean. We all know what’s wrong about prejudice and stereotyping and don’t engage in it.”
Brandon, 17, Austin, TX
“We talk about tolerance a lot (even with our grown children). We’ve talked with our parents about their racial attitudes – where they are progressive and where they are behind the times because of their upbringing (but trying). We’ve observed racism, and when we have, we talked about it and how much it upset/disgusted us.”
Jackie, mom to a son, 15, Dallas TX
“My mother talks about it all the time, but I feel what I feel about [a certain race]. So, even though we talk about it a lot, my feelings don’t change.”
Damon, 18, Houston TX
Jed Forrester 01/07/08
Almost everyone interviewed for this article says they are horrified by racism. But it seems pretty theoretical – we all know racism is bad. But if we really believed that, why would these recent incidents have happened? I think the reason people hate and fear anyone who looks or acts different is that they don’t know them personally. Once you make friends with someone, work with them on the job, go to school with them, you start to change your mind. At least, that’s what I believe.
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