After weeks of seeing my social media feeds being overwhelmed with stories of the latest officials jumping on the "Change the Name" bandwagon, I feel compelled to pull out my virtual soapbox for a moment.
First, let me say that this post is not about whether the Redskins should change their name - frankly, I've had enough of that conversation. What is of greater concern to me is the fact that while it's all fine and well to say you feel this way or that about offensive terms (racial or otherwise), our actions behind closed doors are what we really need to focus on changing.
Racism, hatred and even stereotypes are all learned beliefs and behaviors and more often than not, parents are the unwitting teachers. We take for granted that a child's young age or seemingly inattentive behavior means they aren't listening or don't comprehend what we're saying. Well, guess what? Not only are they listening, but they're learning, repeating and even demonstrating some of our most despicable and hateful behaviors and attitudes. Don't believe me? Well, why else would a child talk about how they "hate" any language other than English or state that a classmate is rich because they're a certain skin color? Sure, out of the mouths of children these things may sound harmless and you may even be inclined to say "Oh, they're so young...they just don't know any better." Trust me, their age has nothing to do with it. They think it's acceptable because that's how they're being raised!
My point is this - if you want to fix the vast number of injustices and prejudices happening in our great nation, then start by correcting your actions at home and be the true role model our children need. For those who don't have children, don't think you're excused. It takes a village to raise a child and a nation to heal it's own wounds. If you're not part of the solution....
Take care of yourselves and be nice to each other XO
La Nena
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