I Can't Believe That This Just Happened #StopTheHate

RANT. Sorry, I just HAVE to say something, because what just happened is ridiculous! 

Wow. Just wow. Someone I've been friendly with for quite a long time just went off on me...For what, you might ask? Being white. Apparently, they thought I was Latina, but now that they know I am caucasian, I am "evil" and that "all white people need to go back to Hell where they came from." 

I have no idea where that came from...I am not a racist, AT ALL, and I don't spew hate online. Nor do I teach my kids to hate. You won't ever find me discriminating against anyone, or condoning it when someone else does. The only people I have any problems with are those that are mean and hateful...And that comes in ALL colors. It's not an issue of race. It's about who someone is as a person that matters to me. 

Skin color doesn't matter. Religion doesn't matter. Sexual preference doesn't matter. NONE of that should matter. We're all people. We all have hopes and dreams, and just want to raise good, loving families. And of course, we all want our kids to grow up in a world that is safe for everyone. SAFE for EVERYONE. 

There is plenty of ignorance in the world...Ignorance is color-blind, though, and can come from all races, genders, religions, etc. I know plenty of ignorant white people....Plenty. I will be the first to admit that my race is not perfect. No race is. Why? Because races are made up of human beings, and human beings are not perfect. Period. 

I am just really upset. I haven't said or done anything to deserve that kind of outburst....I have remained silent when it comes to recent news events. I have not made jokes, made insensitive, screwed up comments, NOTHING. The ONLY thing I have said is that the entire situation is heartbreaking, and that I hope everyone who is in pain, on either side of the fence, finds peace and healing. 

That's all I really CAN say, since I do not have all the facts. I was not there. I am not condoning loss of life, nor am I condoning police brutality. Which, let's face it, is a very real problem in today's world. Since I don't know exactly what happened, I choose to just be sad and angry in general, without taking any sides. No matter how the story played out, or who was in the wrong, this just shouldn't have happened. Period. 

Is it so wrong to pray for everyone who is suffering pain, heartbreak, rage, and sorrow? No matter what their race is? Doesn't everyone deserve to be treated like a human being, and with compassion? 

I don't know what actually happened...I wasn't there...I won't pass judgement. Does it anger me? Yes. Of course it does. No matter how the events really played out, there is a lot to be upset about. There are no winners here. The fact is, someone lost their child. A mother is grieving for her baby. A police officer has to now live with what he has done, legal and justified or not-(I wasn't there so I cannot say how it went down), and look in the mirror every day. There is very real pain for everyone involved. That's just a fact. And those in pain deserve compassion. 

I refuse to subscribe to all the hate. I refuse to pretend that I know what it feels like to be a minority, and to be persecuted for simply existing. I suppose that's because I am a white person, and to some extent, have enjoyed "white privilege." I don't deny that. At all. I have never walked into a store and been eye-balled and watched closely because of my race. I have never experienced being overlooked for a job because of my skin color or name. It makes me angry and sad that anyone should EVER have to experience these things. It simply should not happen. As a society, we should be beyond that, and value each and every human being for their merits. Race should not play a part. Neither should religion, sexual orientation, or how wealthy a person is. 

At the same time, I also refuse to completely bash law enforcement as a whole. Sure, like most people, I don't like cops. I have no criminal record, and have never even gotten a speeding ticket. But still, I have a certain level of fear, since there ARE officers that abuse their power. That needs to stop, before we find ourselves living under martial law. But I do believe there are cops out there who truly care and try their best to do good for their communities, too. There are BAD people from all walks of life, and in all professions. But, there are good people from all walks of life, too. I try to focus on the good, especially when there are so many stories about the bad in the world. 

I refuse to lump everyone into a category, whether it's because of their race or because of their job. I would much rather form an opinion of another person based on their character. How they treat others. By the good in their hearts. 

Is This is the first time I have experienced...Shoot...What would you even CALL it?! Reverse racism? It just makes me sad. I try and teach my children to love and accept everyone, regardless of their differences. I teach them that every single person has value. No one should be hated for something they didn't choose. No one chooses their race...I certainly didn't get to choose mine!  Just like my son, who I am incredibly proud of and would never want to change, didn't choose to be gay.  But apparently, none of that even matters because I am white. 

What on Earth is the world coming to?! Why can't people stop generalizing and hating based on nothing more than which box a person checks off when they complete a US Census? Why can't we all try and accept and HELP each other? I think if there were more love and acceptance in the world, then true healing and progress could be made. As long as people carry so much hate in their hearts, we, as human beings, are screwed.

Sorry for the rant, I am just in absolute shock that someone would call me the "devil" simply because I am white. Not all whites are racist, just like not all blacks are "thugs" and all Muslims are not "terrorists".

 The hate needs to stop. For the sake of my children and yours, let's raise them to be kinder, gentler people than we are. Hate starts in the home...With what kids hear every day. Before ranting and raving about race, sexual orientation, and other "touchy" topics, please remember that a child may be listening. If we want a more peaceful and tolerant world, we need to rise up and be better examples for future generations.