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I am a prejudiced man

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Contributed by: Leonard Avery on 5/1/2007

A Prejudiced Man

I am a prejudiced man, I know that. I grew up in the era that had many prejudices and people were categorized by their skin color or ethnic roots. I accepting that because there were no other voices telling me otherwise. Then when I entered the military service I became a military policeman and the majority of the criminals were dark skinned men and women. Either Negro or Mexican. Soon the Asian race became populace and they were added to the criminal element. Whenever I saw a dark-skinned person I automatically put them in the criminal class. And 90 percent of the time I was right. I wasn't that I held any hate against these people it was just that I found for the survival of my men and myself I had to be prepared to accept criminal activity from them and so use the utmost caution around them.

I am retired now but the survival instinct is still strong. I put those people in their class so to speak. A while back I visited my sister and found that my neice had a negro boyfriend. I was astounded and refused to accept the relationship. Now many years later I have found out that she had several children by him. I was infuriated and refused to even see her on my visits. My sister knew of my attitude and did not force the issue.

And then I dropped in unexpectedly at my sisters home. She was baby sitting her grandchildren. Yes the little black kids. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't just turn around and leave. So I just decided to make the best of the situation I found myself in. The children were introduce to me and me to them. They were 2 yrs old and 6 and 7 yrs old. The boy being the oldest and the other two little girls. I tried to ignore the kids but they were just so happy and friendly. One asked me why I didn't smile very much. Well that question made me think. Why was I blaming these little children for the things that happened to me a long time ago? Soon I found myself playing games with the little tikes. And had them on my back as I galloped around on the carpet being the horsey. The oldest girl had the most beautiful black curly hair and the boy was just as smart as all get out. He could talk like an adult. The little baby girl fell asleep on my lap while we watched cartoons. What a day I had, and what a shock to my prejudice. I recently was able to spend a weekend with my sister on my way through her state. The first thing I asked was "How are the kids?" When I found out that they would be visiting the next day I was pleased. And when they came bursting through the door and yelling my name and jumped up on me giving me hugs and kisses.......I think all my prejudice just flew out the window.

I seem to remember from my childhood a sentence from Bible School.

"And a little child shall lead them."

That is probable taken out of context and was not used in this situation but it was very prophetic and correct for what happened to that prejudice old man that used to be me.

Leonard Avery a former prejudice man

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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments

Submitted By: Betty Avery

posted on 9/11/2008 @ 4:44:44 PM

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Not only is your story bogus but you did not have permission from my daughter to post pictures of her children on the internet. We have asked you nicely to take them off however now we will take corrective action to remove them from the internet.

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Submitted By: Joaquin Alvarez

posted on 8/22/2007 @ 8:57:19 AM

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It is hard to let go of personal beliefs. I have recently come across a situation in my life wherein I experienced some sort of awakening along the lines of the one experienced by my uncle here. It did not have to do multiculturalism in my family, as I was mostly raised by my grandmother a.k.a. Margaret Avery. She happened to be a "darked-skinned" person. Sometimes personal attachment blinds us to color, it happens. It is unfortunate that this personal attachment had not occurred until 7 years after the birth of some of your great-nephews and nieces. Think of all the time you missed out on in there lives. And the lives of the rest of your family members whom you have not seen in years due to whatever personal beliefs or prejudices one submits to over a lifetime. I guess what I am trying to say is sometimes in life you cannot let your prejudices rule you.

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Submitted By: reveka avory

posted on 8/18/2007 @ 8:32:26 PM

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First of all, how can you claim to have been a prejudiced man, being the son of a Mexican immigrant? I fail to understand your comment that "there were no other voices telling you otherwise" seeing as how your mother was actively involved in helping many people from different backgrounds and color of skin to maintain their civil rights and improve their life. She received multiple commendations for her activities in this field, from many organizations, including the NAACP and national Latino organizations. Also, since you "knew" that dark-skinned men and women were "criminals", and you were right "90 percent" of the time, does this include your Mexican family, especially your mother?

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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Leonard Avery

Northglenn , CO

Leonard Avery has posted 72 stories and 39 comments since joining on 2/16/2006. Leonard Avery 's average story rating is 4.7.

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