Topic : 01/12 Racism Experiment

I totally agree with you but I have to point out that when we say "black, white, brown, purple we are all the same"  There are no PURPLE people which really minimizes the entire statement. but your point is understood. 

I totally agree with you but I have to point out that when we say "black, white, brown, purple we are all the same"  There are no PURPLE people which really minimizes the entire statement. but your point is understood. 

I agree with the quote regarding the biracial daughter appearing to be ashamed of her blackness.  We all have to define who we are in order to feel pride and self worth.  We live in a society that still attempts to brainwash us into thinking that the more white we look and sound the further we'll get.  Telling someone that their racial heritage should be ignored is the same as telling them that  they should'nt care about their family or themselves.  I use to get so upset and cry when white kids would spit on me or call me names in school.  College was even worse.  Now that I'm working I'm still dealing with whites who watch the news in hopes of seeing an African American who has broken the law, just so they can come to work and talk about it all day, in an insane attempt to feel superior and validate their racism.  I've complained to Human Resources, but ofcourse, they try to make me feel that I should just be happy to have a job.  

I no longer get upset or cry about these situations.  I confided in an elderly family friend about what was happening to me and she educated me about my rich beautiful cultural and racial heritage.  She gave me books to read and videos containing information about my people that I had never en heard about.  She taught me about the Africans who built nations and traveled the world educating other people about every subject known to man.  But most of all I learned about the courage of a people who could not be stopped.  This country in soaked with the blood of my ancestors who gave their lives for those who had not even been born yet.  The more I learned about my history, the stronger and prouder I became.  I feel nothing less than blessed that God chose to make me black.  I have no problem with other races being proud of who they are, cause I am so proud of who I am.  People of different races do have many differences that are unique to their  particular culture and heritage - Thats what makes us special!!  Being African American is'nt just a color, its a way of life.  People who are insecure about their color, tend to imitate other races.  Biracial represents a person whose biological parents are different races,  every biracial person I know (and I know quite a few) Identifies more with one race than the other.  I even know people who are half black and half white who hate white people as well as one's who hate black people.  Unity will never be a possibility in any great measure until we first achieve equality.    I think that fact has been proven over and over again......LOVE YOUR SHOW DR. PHIL....   

I'm so glad that you are doing a show on racism.  As a person raised in the south, I can honestly empathize with Charlie because I also come from a family that had alot of racists!  I don't even remember seeing or speaking to an african american until I was 7.  I didn't know that the "n" word was a bad thing until I my family moved to Tennessee and I became friends with 2 african american girls down the street and their mother explained to me why it was wrong.  After that, I never used the word again because I would do ANYTHING to keep from hurting anyone's feelings!!  

I try to think that I'm not racist anymore.  Because of the way I was raised, however, I do have beliefs about bi-racial dating and marraige.  I'm sure this is petty of me, but I just do.  It doesn't bother me if others date bi-racially, but for me and my children it is a no-no.  I have always raised my children to know that they are no better than anyone else and that you can't help who you fall in love with.  However, if you don't put yourself in the position to date bi-racially, then a bi-racial marraige can't happen.  I've always told them to be friends with anyone and everyone; but that dating and marraige should be with someone of their own race.  Even as I write this, it sounds racist to me, but I've just seen too many bi-racial children who are mistreated and snubbed by both races and I just wouldn't want that for any grandchild I might have. 

Quote:..."First, let me say that you have broken my heart.  There isn't one single thing you could have told me that would have hurt me more. What in the name of God were you thinking when you began identifying with the African world to such an degree that you found yourself in this position:  The last time I looked my daughter was a white, educated professional intelligent woman making intelligent decisions.  That's why parents send their children to college in the hopes they use those tools to better themselves, not to go backwards.  In all of _____ is there not one person who would at the very least have been on an equal playing field for you?  Do you have so little self esteem that you have to settle for anything less, and contrary to what you may think most people still frown on this type of relationship." 

This is just one MILD example of what I have been dealing with since I "outed" my relationship with an African man more more that 1 1/2 years ago. 

 I saw the first show of the "Racism Experiment"  but did not have the courage to write.  As I watched again today I was horrified and embarrased just sitting in my living room all alone.  As Dr. Phil talked about vile and disgusting behavior I could only chuckle... one could not even imagine the vile, disgusting, despicable comments that I, and one family member who supports me, have been subjected to.  I am disowned and accused of  "choosing him over us".  My parents' point of view is that I knew how they would feel about this and I did it anyway, I shouldn't have even considered doing anything that would have destroyed them this much.  I could fill pages with the arguments, attacks, accusations, judgement, and rejection that I have been through in the last year and a half.  The first time I was disowned by them I suffered for a couple of months with the guilt and blame until I had an emotional breakdown.  They did come to my aid because I was so sick but once I got back on my feet they expected that I had come to my senses and my relationship would end.  They were completely dismayed that I hadn't ended it and in effect "did this to them a second time".  After much therapy and support from a relative and friends I've unlearned the "I must please my parents" guilt and have stood up for my right to choose my own path in life.  In the process my sister, who initially supported me, has shown her two faces and disowned me also saying "I hope your therapy is affording you the ability to get through all your issues but I fear that it is also brainwashing you.....you are all wasting precious time and none of you are right... I hope you are all happy with what you've created because each of you is at fault....if you are angry about it its because you its true.." and on and on.   I no longer am allowed to see my niece and nephew. 

I wish my family could see the bigger picture in what really matters, and how this cannot possibly be "their worst nightmare" in light of all the devasting things we have seen around us.  At this point I am at the angry stage, which is better than the emotional one, but it is still hard for me to believe that the people who are the closest to me think I am incapable, selfish, disillusioned with reality, and to blame for their pain and heartache.   

By the way, you should know that I am 42 years old, have a Bachelors and two Masters, in a professional career, and a single homeowner.  Can you imagine thinking you have the right to tell someone at this stage in life that they cannot live by their beliefs, they must live by yours??  Please enlighten me, even if you are a parent that does not agree with interracial relationships could you do this?