(no subject)
Dark Brown Band-Aids
I don’t know everything. I’m still searching for my voice, and my place. I do however, know the difference between my opinions and someone else’s, and how I can appreciate those differences. I also know the definition of tolerance, and how I can live my life in a tolerant manner. In knowing tolerance, I can recognize and shun intolerance.
I refuse to support intolerance by not participating in racist or sexist jokes. I simply do not believe that making fun of the social oppression of any group should be categorized as entertainment. I try my best to remove myself from the segregation that I see all around me. Instead, I choose to utilize skills of talking, listening, and being accepting in order to break down barriers that are erected due to the ignorance and prejudices of people around me, including myself. It’s too much work for one person to rid the world of social segregation, but by speaking out, maybe I can affect my small community, and spark more efforts to improve our world.
Being active in diversity programs has influenced my views and the extent of my own knowledge. Each program I’ve attended has widened my frame of reference and enabled me to hone my abilities to articulate my thoughts.
In my 7th grade year, I attended my first diversified seminar called True Colors, which educated students mostly about racism and sexism. I attended one discussion group about white privilege and was exposed to a completely new mindset. After that, I really began to realize the extent of my lack of knowledge, and the seemingly minute examples of racism in our world. Why are Band-Aids "white?" Why shouldn’t there be Band-Aids to match the skin tone of any person? Even something as small as a bandage represents to me a stance so contrary to values that I hold.
More recently, I had the opportunity to learn through a diversity retreat called Anytown, a program that held true to the vague testimonials printed in its pamphlet. Anytown truly was a "life changing experience." Not only did it allow me to be able to freely talk about how I felt, but I left Anytown with an increased ability to look at myself and my surroundings and evaluate my opinions, my mind, my body, and where I stand in life. Each program has taught me new names and definitions that I can use to express the outrage that I experience everyday, since I began to question why…