Bigotry Archives - The Race Card Project

Canada has a racism problem, too

January 11, 2024 assult, Bigotry, Canada, crme, election, Emma Lamson Edirisinghe, hate, Jewish, jews, Muslim, neighbor, white supremacy

Emma Lamson Edirisinghe,
Canada.

Following the U.S. election, hatred and bigotry have reared its ugly head in Canada, too, where many think racism isn’t a problem like it is in the neighbour to the south. There have been crimes and assaults particularly against Muslim and Jewish people, including a shooting at a Quebec mosque that left six dead — an extremely rare occurrence in Canada due to the strict gun laws. Canadians need to push back against the radical white supremacy that has taken over in the U.S., because it CAN happen here, too.

She is the Black People’s Victory!

March 18, 2022March 18, 2022 apologize, Bigotry, black culture, dark complexion, discriminate, Ebony, illness, inequity, light skinned, mental illness, murder, name, nameless, prejudice, She is the Black People's Victory!

Ebony Nichole,
Cincinnati, OH

For three days after my birth I was nameless because my Mama didn’t know she was having a girl. Born very light-skinned, my now very dark complexion didn’t come in until I was a week old. My mother’s friend came to the hospital to visit and brought her an Ebony Magazine. My mama asked her friend for girl name suggestions, and she recommended to name me….Ebony! My Daddy was adamant in choosing my middle name which is….Nichole. I share this naming story because it will become very significant in just a little bit, but first let me share some knowledge about racism.

Racism is a mental illness in case you weren’t aware. Just think about it, to harbor feelings of hatred towards disliked groups for reasons of skin color which is outside of anyone’s control. To physically attack, demean, belittle, have prejudice, bigotry, murder, discriminate for the mere reasoning of one’s hatred of skin color is delusional, and these are symptoms of mental illness. In America, it has become the accepted norm for the vast majority of it’s white population to have this mental illness. I am living in a world specifically in a country where living with the mentally ill has been tolerated, but no longer. I will no longer be a victim subjected to this kind of treatment and abuse. Since, I was a child I have been traumatized by racist acts against me, because of my dark skin. Normally, when someone is deemed mentally ill they seek mental health treatment, and/or hospitalization.

Now, here’s where the significance of my name comes into play. I have a purpose here on earth. My name was given to me by divine design, one that I was not aware of until just a few years ago. Let me break down the meaning of my name Ebony Nichole. Ebony means Black, and Nichole means the Victory of the people, now put those two together and you get…… Black People’s Victory!

I no longer apologize for my blackness and my black culture. I utilize every moment as a teaching moment for my white brothers and sisters to give them knowledge. You see Racism is not a black issue, but a white issue and they just need some education and connection in order for them to understand and accept that there is a problem in this country, and they can make a difference. I will continue on my mission to try and make a difference in this country and stand against racism, inequality, and injustice.

My name has a meaning and a purpose, and I will do everything to fulfill it.

Bequeath your children wisdom, not bigotry.

May 31, 2021May 31, 2021 anti-racism, Bigotry, Bill Heitland, children, MO, saint Louis

Bill Heitland,
Saint Louis, MO

The most powerful voice you hear as a child comes from someone of authority: a parent, relative, coach. If that voice utters racial slurs, they seep into your consciousness. Even if you grow up deciding that you are opposed to racism, the seeds of bigotry have been planted and are difficult to eradicate. So I say end the cycle of bigotry by teaching your children why racism is a dark stain on our culture, our history.

BREAKING NEWS: Jews experience prejudice AND white privilege

February 23, 2021 Bigotry, CA, Cupertino, Jewish, Osher Fein, prejudice, privilege

Osher Fein,
Cupertino, CA

This took me an embarrassingly long time to realize, but there’s this weird thing that white Jews experience called “conditional white privilege”. As long as my Jewishness isn’t obvious or doesn’t “offend” anyone, I experience the same privilege every other white person does. But, it was the moments of overt antisemitism that made me wonder if I fell under “minority” or if I fell under “privileged white person”. Eventually, I realized that these experiences don’t discredit one another. Do I experience bigotry? Yeah. Does that erase the fact that I still benefit from this corrupt system? Nope! I still benefit from injustice, unfortunately.

When Skin Color Fades Away

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020 American Indian, Bigotry, CA, fades, Imperial Beach, Leonard Rios, Native American, neighborhood, old school, skin color, stereotype, tradition, tribal

Leonard Rios,
Imperial Beach, CA.

I am an American Indian on tribal roles and racism has followed my people childhood to present. I am a traditionalist and live an old school life style founded on respect and the spirit of taking only what we need and giving when all possible. I moved to Imperial Beach with high hopes only to face the reality that things may change but more than likely not in my lifetime. The latest example of racism and bigotry came to life and reared its ugly head in Imperial Beach on the corner of Elder and 7th street you can get first hand view on how racism and bigotry abound in our beautiful little city. How a single individual decided to take the law into his own hands and post offensive signs in his front lawn declaring there are thieves in our neighborhood. He went so far as to even describe the suspect individual indicating a young male, approximate age, color hair and personal habits, yet when asked, he said he never saw who allegedly entered his property. So begins the hunt for just about any young dark haired male in our community during out peek summer months and so goes the quiet secure image of our fair city. Some individuals have a need to be noticed as do gooder no matter whom they might hurt. I for one believe that the alleged theft, if it did occur, should have be left to our Local law enforcement to investigate. These offensive signs, clearly demonstrate a community of potential racist troublemakers. I for one believe our community is made up of a much higher caliber of families individuals. Such individual action on the part of a resident can only result in visitors viewing our beautiful city as a troubled neighborhood and undesirable to live in. I pray our city council and new mayor consider the negative aspect of such actions and seek a moderate solution. Our city has come to far so as to have a dark shadow to be cast upon it.

Don’t fake equality for your convenience.

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020 Bigotry, comfortable, CONVENIENCE, fake equality, identity, Meah, NC, Raleigh, WCC SOC 210

Meah,
Raleigh, NC

I see too many times, people faking their support for minority groups when they want to come across inclusive. Once they are surrounded by people, they are “comfortable” around; they reveal their true identity as racist and noninclusive. It is convenient for them to be able to hide in a place they can say and feel whatever they please. Minority groups are constantly surrounded by racism and bigotry. There is no way for them to escape the racism in the world. It’s in public, on social media, and even on TV. I feel it is apart of my job as a young adult in America today to try and eliminate as much possible racism as I can for the people who are just as special and equal as any other person.

No way, Miss, you’re not white!

October 16, 2020October 16, 2020 associate, Bigotry, but you don't look, GA, Joan Evans, Lawrencevillve, miss, students, teacher, white

Joan Evans,
Lawrencevillve, GA.

And I am 100% white. But (far too many of) my students associate “white” with oppression and bigotry. When they tell me I’m not white, they are trying to tell me I’m not a racist. Telling me I’m not white is a compliment. Pretty damning, huh?

Bigotry lives on; so does hope.

October 14, 2020October 14, 2020 Bigotry, hope, Matt Neal, San Antonio, TX

Matt Neal,
San Antonio, TX.

Colorblind bigotry, religion is shunned here

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019 Beckley, Bigotry, colorblind, eccentricities, Jo Miller-Frost, label, religion, shunned, students, WV

Jo Miller-Frost,
Beckley, WV.

I have been explicitly informed at work to not discuss my religious background with anyone, but my students, who have never had a cross burned in their yards, can call me racist. Recently, my religious views were labeled. Part of my “eccentricities”

Canada has a racism problem, too

December 15, 2017December 15, 2017 assult, Bigotry, Canada, crme, election, Emma Lamson Edirisinghe, hate, Jewish, jews, Muslim, neighbor, white supremacy

Emma Lamson Edirisinghe,
Canada.

Changing elementry schools, I found bigotry

August 30, 2016August 30, 2016 Bigotry, changing, Donald A. Dale, elementary school, God, Lancaster, PA

Donald A. Dale
Lancaster, PA

I believe in a loving, caring and gracious GOD and that we are all GOD’S children, created equally.

Strength in comradery, weakness in bigotry.

July 7, 2016July 8, 2016 Bigotry, Bishop O'Dowd High School, Ms. Sarah Tunik, strength, weak, weakness

Sean Senn,
Oakland, CA.

“I am a junior at Bishop O’dowd High School in Oakland, CA.
English class of Ms. Sarah Tunik

Liberals foment the most outlandish bigotry

September 29, 2014 Bigotry, Blaine, CA, liberals, San Diego

Blaine,
San Diego, CA.

Saw an ugly world too early

July 28, 2014February 14, 2022 Bigotry, curly hair, Diana Ryan, exotic, features, hair, lips, MA, Millbury, nose, olive skin, passing, Puerto Rican, ugly, world

Diana Ryan
Millbury, MA

My last name notwithstanding, I am 100% Puerto Rican through and through. That is an ethnicity, not a race but too many people don’t make that distinction. My features are typical in the culture, full lips, broad nose, dark curly hair, olive skin that tans deeply and easily. It’s a blessing and a burden.

I am proud of my heritage and pretty enough to have been a playboy bunny back in the 70’s but that doesn’t stop people from being stupid. Over the years I have been asked if I was “passing” and assumed to be black. I never answer those people. If they’re asking,they’ve already made an assumption and nothing I say will change it so I leave them in their ignorance.

A college boy friend, Italian and darker than me, dumped me when his mother said he couldn’t marry me because we’d have black babies. The first time I heard the words “nigger” and “spic” I was only five and the neighborhood bully had knocked me down and was sitting on my chest pounding me in the face demanding that I admit that was what I was. I didn’t know the words but I somehow understood they were really ugly and I refused. A neighbor rescued me.

The best I’ve ever been called is “exotic” though I have to admit it always felt a bit condescending. My ex-husband once told me he had “married beneath” him. My current in-laws are racists forever making passive aggressive comments about race and/or ethnicity which they excuse by adding, “didn’t mean you”
My 6’2″ blue-eyed, blond husband and I joke that we are both followed in stores – him because they’re trying to sell him something, me because they think I’m going to steal something.

62 years have taught me that racism seems to be in our DNA. though much has changed over the years, much has not. I cannot control someone else’s ignorance but I can control my response to it. When faced with bigotry I confront it as politely as possible, no point in letting my anger bring me down to their level.
In the meantime, I live a life richer for being bi-lingual and bi-cultural. I know who I am ethnically and racially and let the fools make their own ignorant judgements.

Bigotry, Enlightenment, Experiencing, Acting, Agitating, Living

April 17, 2014April 17, 2014 Acting, Agitating, AL, Bigotry, civil rights, enlightenment, Experiencing, Isabelle Keefe Marrero, LA, living, New Orleans, School USA, Tuscaloosa, USA

Isabelle Keefe Marrero
Tuscaloosa, AL

I am 76 years old, grew up in New Orleans in ingrown bigotry, discovered that black people had a last name in college, lived among them in the Army, joined a black mission church in Huntsville,AL, enrolled our children in that school(first school to integrate in the state of Alabama), coached all black athletic teams before integration, fought for Civil Rights and am still fighting for them. Lots of stories along that long way.