When my daughter turned to two years old, we started taking her to the preschool.
There, I became a friend with a mom of my daughter’s classmate. She was in the same situation as I. She was a foreigner in this country. She is originally from Peru and married to an American man.
At the preschool, there were several moms who were acting weird. Their moods swung day by day, minute by minute.
I used to greet “Hi” or “How are you?” to them. Once in a great while, they would greet back to me with a big smile, but most of the time, they would completely ignore me. Strange enough, right after they passed by me, completely ignoring me, when they saw their same kinds, they would raise their voice tones and hugged them saying something nice to them.
It was still my early years for me to live in America, and I didn’t know that was the racist people’s reactions. Simply because I grew up and lived in Japan where I never experienced the prejudices by the skin color, I didn’t know.
I was deeply shocked and hurt by their prejudiced reactions.
I talked about my experience to my Peruvian friend, to see if I am hallucinating or not. I was wondering if I was talking this too much personal or not.
She had lived in America longer than I was. She confirmed me that I was not hallucinating. She said there are people who judge and show their bad attitude based on the skin color. All we (as minority) can do is just to know the fact and protect ourselves accordingly.
She gave me one simple advice. She told me like this. “When people show the bad attitude like that, simply say to them F++K it in your mind. Make sure to say that only in your mind. Then, let the memory about them go completely”. She used to encourage me “don’t let anybody let you down: Stay where you are.”
Four years ago, she had moved to another state due to her husband’s job. I don’t see her often like we used to do, but I still think of her from time to time. I always appreciate of her encouragement on not letting anybody let me down.
I don’t think I can change those racist people’s minds. But I can at least add the number of people who can agree with my idea. My idea is to respect one another, instead of segregating people by the skin color. Nobody is superior or inferior by the skin color. Our skin color simply tells our ancestors’ wisdoms and traditions. We can share the different wisdoms to make the better world.
♬ Any feedback? (^^♪
three wisdom 