The Race Card Project
By Michele Norris
Gina DiMedio Marrazza,
Rockville, MD
I am the coordinator of Montgomery College’s “ACES Ambassador Leadership Program” AALP.
Each of our 24 members decided it was important to “voice” our thoughts. As a united team, we wanted to submit them in solidarity.
We are grateful for this Project.
Tracy Loynachan,
Minneapolis, MN.
To me, the terms ‘illegal immigrant’ and ‘illegal alien’ are demeaning. These terms are used too frequently, especially when talking about Latinos. Immigration status is not part of the criminal justice system – it’s a separate legal system. While people may be undocumented, they are still people and deserving of compassion. The “Us vs. Them” mentality is saddening and, as a white woman, I feel I have an obligation to say something.
Jamila
Everyone has a story. I am a black woman who grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, went to predominantly white schools, and always worked in predominantly white spaces. I know how to assimilate so that I can accomplish what needs to be done. Even though assimilation is my norm, I’m noticing that it is quite superficial. More is available through compassion which gives space for greater understanding.
Just as I have a story, make judgments, choose my words and actions based on that history and life experience, the person in front of me has a story. The person in front of me makes judgements, chooses words and actions based on their life experience up to now. Some may not be aware of their thoughts on the topic of race because they have limited awareness of how race has meaning in their daily routine. Just as I hope that people have compassion for me and my story, can I try to have compassion for the person in front of me? What if I am the first black person they have ever had a conversation with? How can I expect them to choose culturally effective ways to communicate if this is their first try? What if they have fear of, or unrealistic expectations for this experience? I certainly know what it feels like to be afraid of a situation. Can I have compassion for this person who might be afraid of me or uncomfortable with this experience of interacting with a black person? Is it possible the person in front of me has been influenced by misinformation and cultural influences that generate irrational fear, resentment, or rage toward ‘menacing black people?’ Is this an opportunity for both of us to have compassion, learn something about the other, and grow our story and lived experience?
Stephen Parrish,
Los Angeles, CA
I am a 66 yro Gay man who lived through the AIDS crisis: unlearned a lot of ingrained prejudice; learned a lot of compassion. I believe in hope.
Erin Seaton,
West Newbury, MA.
I have two great kids. They are smart and kind and thoughtful and sometimes they also fall apart. We are white, and one thing I am constantly conscious of is the fact that when my children do fall apart, in a doctor’s office or library or restaurant, no one is judging them or me because of my race. I can fall apart or get frustrated or upset, too. And most of the time, people are often empathetic. White privilege means that you have to walk through the world acutely aware that you are given such liberty and leniency because of the color of your skin. It’s your responsibility to walk humbly when you carry this knowledge and to be very careful to grant others equal compassion.
Madeline F.,
Canal Winchester, OH
I grew up in a highly racist environment that I’m trying to work out of myself every day. It’s hard sometimes to listen to people of color talk about race without making their struggle about my whiteness. I fear that my desire to make black people feel listened to and loved is secretly a desire to make myself look like a good person more than it is a genuine longing for justice and compassion.
Thomas Swinscoe
Akron, OH
I grew up in a time when being gay was even more of a challenge than it is today. As a white, male of English/German descent who was raised Christian, I have come to see my sexual identity as a gift. I believe much the insight and empathy I enjoy is a direct result of being a minority. I don’t think you have to be a minority to be empathetic or compassionate , but it sure made it easy for me! Sometimes I wonder what kind of person I would have become were I not gay.
Karl Maurer,
New Lenox, IL.
I love music. I particularly love American blues music, and am proud to serve on the board of The Blues Foundation, which is dedicatd to expanding the enjoyment and appreciation of blues music world-wide. What we love and enjoy is a big part of our identity. To the extent that people from different cultures can come together as music lovers, I believe this helps break down superficial barriers between races. Music belongs to all of us. Music makes us one people. And all music, not just blues, but rock, classical, hip-hop — it’s all forms of music that can make the world sing together.
Michele Moreno-Cheverez,
Santa Barbara, CA.
Everyone deserves equality, equity, respect, compassion, empathy and a chance in life. One world~one people.
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