I'M NOT RACIST!

Tonight my friends and I were being our usual obnoxious selves at a restaurant. A friend had what appeared to be a leather strap around his fingers. I asked him, "what is that?! I thought it was a phylactery." It turned out to be a ring. I turned out to be more blind than I imagined.

For those who don't know what a phylactery is, they are part of worship in some Jewish sects. It's leather bands which you wear around your arms, hands, and around your head. Here's a picture:

Later on as we were talking, an older lady got up and, putting her hand on my shoulder, said, "Excuse me, you should think 'are there any Jewish people here?' before you make a racist remark like that!"

I was quite stunned because I could not even think about what I could have said which could be construed as anti-semitic. I then remembered the comment about phylacteries. The lady left upset and minutes later the manager of the restaurant came out and chastised us for being racist.

I want people to understand one thing. I am not racist. In fact, I have a profound interest in different cultures and races. Today I was studying about Jewish History, learning abit of Hebrew, and history. I love my Hebrew homies! I don't look down upon them at all and am in no way prejudiced against them.

I don't hate Jews, and I don't hate African-American's. I don't hate Hispanic people. I don't hate Asians. I find value in every culture and enjoy learning about them. You may ask, "how do you know you're not racist?" Because I have experienced racism.

While serving as a missionary for my church in Oklahoma my missionary companion and I taught a number of black people in downtown Oklahoma City. The members of the ward had utter disdain for anyone we brought to church who was black. Our ward mission leader often said things like this, "well elders, you can teach 'em but I really don't think that's going to go anywhere."

This attitude was all over that state. I had never experienced anything like that back home in Southern California, especially not in the Church which is usually very accepting of differing races. This is how I know I am not racist. I have never felt that way. I have never judged someone negatively based on their skin color or ethnicity.

So why even bring this up? I'm so sick of the racial tension that seems to be growing every day in this country. A lot of it I feel can be contributed to media coverage. When the  television lens is constantly focused on ignorance is it any wonder we adopt some stupidity ourselves? Another good portion of our problem comes from people being all to willing to take offense and be victimized. Tonight that lady chose to be offended by something I said which was not intended to be offensive.

What can we do? We can all choose to be more accepting, and more patient with people. We shouldn't get so sensitive when discussions racial, ethnic, or cultural issues. If we are open and honest, and discuss these things in a understanding way then we will have good experiences and grow.

So from me to that Lady, "I'm sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean too. But seriously, just chillax."