Comments on: Does Race Matter? http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/01/27/does-race-matter/ For women who are humble enough to seek wisdom yet sensible enough to impart it. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:20:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: KWiz http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/01/27/does-race-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-109 KWiz Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:24:59 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/01/27/does-race-matter/#comment-109 Hi Nicki, Thank you for your comment Nicki. I teach in an independent school where people of color are the minority (of course). I also grew up in a predominately White environment. However, as I know I will be sending my daughter to private school, I don't think sending her to private school is not "the right thing." While she may not be able to experience the diversity she'd get in public education, she may be getting more; the ability to deal with others who are not like her. In addition, others get to experience her and all of who she is as well. I experienced the same thing you experienced with Black women as well, and I just think it is so sad. Being in competition with one another is so counterproductive. I love your statement that you "try hard not to breathe on their mirror." What a wonderful word picture! I will remember that as I'm raising our dear almost 3 year old... And it's not easy. While race can't be the lens through which we view life all the time, it can get difficult when the first time she hears of it is outside your own home. Several weeks ago, my daughter said something about someone being a "Black man." My husband and I hadn't taught her about skin color in that way; only teaching her that her skin was beautiful and her hair was beautiful. So then we had to start teaching it in our way. Hi Nicki,

Thank you for your comment Nicki.

I teach in an independent school where people of color are the minority (of course). I also grew up in a predominately White environment. However, as I know I will be sending my daughter to private school, I don’t think sending her to private school is not “the right thing.” While she may not be able to experience the diversity she’d get in public education, she may be getting more; the ability to deal with others who are not like her. In addition, others get to experience her and all of who she is as well.

I experienced the same thing you experienced with Black women as well, and I just think it is so sad. Being in competition with one another is so counterproductive.

I love your statement that you “try hard not to breathe on their mirror.” What a wonderful word picture! I will remember that as I’m raising our dear almost 3 year old…

And it’s not easy. While race can’t be the lens through which we view life all the time, it can get difficult when the first time she hears of it is outside your own home. Several weeks ago, my daughter said something about someone being a “Black man.” My husband and I hadn’t taught her about skin color in that way; only teaching her that her skin was beautiful and her hair was beautiful. So then we had to start teaching it in our way.

]]> By: Nicki http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/01/27/does-race-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-107 Nicki Mon, 12 Feb 2007 09:51:47 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/01/27/does-race-matter/#comment-107 I totally connect with what you are saying. I have a 12 yr old daughter, who is in a private education, and your concern is something I think about all the time, to the point of thinking whether we did the right thing of placing her in private education. My 'past' has also been marked by having incredibly negative experiences with my own (especially Black women) so much so that I find it difficult to have long sustaining relationships (platonic!!) with Black women. Would you believe, that so far, my 'best' friends are with women outside my race!! And sometimes I believe the Almighty is really trying to tell me that I have to take people as they come. And when it comes to my kids, I have tried hard not to breathe on their mirror - they must know who they are and where they come but at the same time they must not be controlled or dominated by race - but it aint been easy! Blessings to you. I totally connect with what you are saying. I have a 12 yr old daughter, who is in a private education, and your concern is something I think about all the time, to the point of thinking whether we did the right thing of placing her in private education. My ‘past’ has also been marked by having incredibly negative experiences with my own (especially Black women) so much so that I find it difficult to have long sustaining relationships (platonic!!) with Black women. Would you believe, that so far, my ‘best’ friends are with women outside my race!! And sometimes I believe the Almighty is really trying to tell me that I have to take people as they come. And when it comes to my kids, I have tried hard not to breathe on their mirror – they must know who they are and where they come but at the same time they must not be controlled or dominated by race – but it aint been easy!

Blessings to you.

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