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Smile to Fight Racism
March 10, 2007

In a multicultural society, people of the mainstream
culture need to be more receptive to people from different
backgrounds. Today in America (the largest diverse
community on the earth), less xenophobia (fear of
foreigners) and more tolerance of individuals from other
national origins or ethnicity is prevailing.
However, some negative vibes that are products of racism
still exist. In order to reduce (or hopefully eliminate) an
ethnocentric mentality, we need to communicate effectively
in a diverse world, minimize our ignorance of other people
who are different from us, put ourselves in their positions
and treat others as we want and expect to be treated.

Negative vibes? Where?

Examples of negative, prejudiced attitudes towards others
abound around us. A few weeks ago, two students of mine,
one from Ethiopia, and the other from Kenya, expressed
their observations of an awkward situation that made them
uncomfortable. They mentioned an experience they have
encountered frequently when shopping in major grocery
stores. They have found a consistent lack of hospitality.
They say, “When we shop at the major super grocery stores
we notice that vendors who offer samples ignore us totally
– no eye contact, no acknowledgement - nothing. But, when
they see a white passerby they invite them to try a sample,
give full details of the product, and even get involved in
long conversations.”

In other words, the vendors are much more receptive to
those who are in their comfort zone. These two wonderful
men from two different African countries have decided not
to shop over the weekends, especially on Saturdays when the
stores are filled with people offering samples. I asked
them not to do that and told them I think they should
specifically continue shopping on weekends, so as to make
these ignorant individuals aware of their presence in our
diverse America. To approach them and make the first step,
to go forward with confidence and a friendly attitude to
make the others feel more comfortable, and help change
their attitudes. It is a two-way street.

I believed my students, because this is not the first time
I have heard this from a person of color. Many individuals
have encountered the same experiences, whether they be
black, Native American, Hispanic, people from sub-continent
India, and other ethnic groups who look different from “us”
find often themselves in similar situations.

It’s not only “color” that makes an issue here. People with
different physical traits, disabilities or appearance also
pick up the negative vibes. The TV show “American Idol” has
recently been in the news for the harsh criticism expressed
by their judges about the potential candidates who
audition, not only for their performances, but also based
on their physical attributes. Scandal concerning some of
the stars of the television show “Grey’s Anatomy” has been
in the news about alleged slurs made by one actor about the
sexual identity of another.

Root of problem

We have come a long way with the teachings of Dr. Martin
Luther King and other civil rights leaders to eliminate
racism. Indeed things have changed. Forty years ago we had
few black participants in the NBA, NFL, or other athletic
arenas. Today, people are excited that two black head
coaches headed to the Super Bowl for the first time. Women
and minorities have had a tough time in the quest for
recognition and respect for decades. Today, we have a woman
as the U.S. Speaker of the House, and a woman senator, a
black senator and a Mexican governor who are running for,
or exploring, the opportunity to be president of the United
States. Things have changed for the better, and the list of
changes is very long.

Unfortunately, while much has changed, there is also still
much to be done. Clyde W. Ford in his book, “We Can all get
Along: 50 Steps You Can Take to Help End Racism,” writes:
“Racist behavior has declined, but racist attitudes have
not.”It is imperative to continue talking about race and
racism. It is necessary to have dialogues about our
differences and similarities. It is useful to have meetings
and gatherings in our community centers. It is productive
to engage in media and make a larger community more
cognizant of what’s going on in our society.

We need to find out what would be the best way to
collaborate and co-exist with the ever-growing Muslim
population in our communities. Did you know that today more
than 6,000,000 Muslims live in this country? They are the
third largest group after the Jewish population. Other
groups are also expanding and we all need to find a way to
peaceably live together.

Expand comfort zone

Interaction with people from varying backgrounds helps to
change our stereotypes. It’s not a bad idea to contact and
have simple communication with those who are different from
us. Do not tell me it’s easier said than done. Be the
person to start a conversation. Be the person approaching
the vendor for a free sample with a friendly and receptive
attitude. Be the neighbor to welcome new people to the
neighborhood or organize a block party to get to know your
neighbors and tear down the invisible fences.

Attend church services at a church that is not your own to
see what they really believe or do there. Stop by the
Hispanic bakery to try their wonderful bread or cookies.
What a difference you can make if you are the first to
smile!

Reprinted with permission from the Chaska Herald.