ONE DROP OF LOVE
When a checked box is all it takes to define who you are and how others see you, there is something WRONG with the system. A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to see One Drop of Love, an autobiographical play about several generations of an African-American family and how each member experienced racism differently. Throughout the production, the audience was shown how the US Census Bureau changed its classification process from the late 1700’s to present day. In the beginning, ALL people were divided into one of two groups: a white person or a slave. As time went on, the divisions expanded into (3) groups: white, slave or free colored. Soon after slavery was abolished in the mid-1800’s, the system was modified but another classification appeared: white, free colored or civilized Indians. Slowly, these words changed while more emerged, and ethnic background was also taken into consideration. Now there are even boxes to check if you belong to two or more races or if you aren’t any of the above. Today, census data is complicated and confusing … but politically correct.
I wish we could live in a world with NO boxes, where no one has to be classified according to their race or ethnicity and where there are no negative or positive connotations associated with what skin color you have, your last name or where your ancestors came from. One that doesn’t care whether you are black or white, tall or short, male or female, rich or poor, old or young. A world that judges you based on only your character, your integrity, and your contribution.
Too many of us live our lives ashamed of where we come from, and we see ourselves as “damaged goods” carrying our scars like a badge of honor. Some remain angry for life, taking it out on everyone else and giving up before they get started. Others try for a complete makeover and pretend to be someone they aren’t. If they can lighten or tighten their skin, maybe they can have a fresh start and receive the love and respect they couldn’t achieve before.
How many times have we heard that it’s what we have inside that matters the most? Good looks and a flashy car may get you a lot of attention, but they won’t get you love or respect. At best, they help you get your foot in the door … but it’s what you have inside that keeps that door open. It’s not how many gifts you were given at birth but what you chose to do with the gifts that you were given that counts. At the end of your life, you will not be remembered by the color of your skin, the amount of money in your bank account or where your family came from. You will be remembered for the help you gave others and the kindness, compassion and LOVE you showed them.
Copyright © 2013 (Michelle Parsons, Getting Back on Your Path). All Rights Reserved.
