I am loving my current class. Philosophy is not really my thing but I love the differences of opinions and ideas. There are 2 people in my class, only 2 of 25 that always seem so full of hatred. They are so angry about how middle America is trying to make them "white". How we are "raping" them of their culture. It seems like all the rest of us can talk about all these really difficult subjects and be passionate about it. But the spirit has been there I know it. However, when these 2 students talk, the entire atmosphere of the classroom changes. I feel pressured, overwhelmed and sick. I used the term "American melting pot" today. This one female student became so enraged with me. I AM NOT APART OF YOUR FREEKING MELTING POT~ she shouted. She was so angry even the professor had to step in. She was saying things like, "because you didn't step off the boat with Columbus, or own slaves, you feel like you are not responsible for the mess those white people made." I responded "you are right, I am not, we each need to be responsible for our own actions today to make the world better if we can and see to it that history doesn't repete itself" She responded, "typical White answer"
I even said, "this conversation is about English. About speaking English when in America, or speaking Spanish in Spain, or French in France. I told her "ware what you want, eat what you want, celebrate your culture. Teach me about your home! I want to learn. But I can't learn from you if we don't speak the same language." She replied, "then learn Spanish".
I just didn't know what to say. She was just so angry, so much so that at the end of class she was whispering about me and giving me "looks". Even the person she was talking to told her to stop and walked away from her. What makes us become so hate filled as people? Why do so many people feel so wronged that they can't ever be happy? What will it be like when Christ comes back and these barriers are taken away and we can all speak to each other peacefully?
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I too find this situation so sad, I really wonder where all the anger comes from. For example she is not a slave, her parents weren't, etc. and I wonder what we are teaching our children that teaches injustice and hate. I always wonder, from a physiological perspective what the individual has gone through that made them feel "raped" by society. It is really hard to see from my middle SES, white background. There is injustice and hate everywhere but what I wonder about people that seem to wear their hate on their sleeves, so to speak, is if they just don't want or know how to be happy. How to take advantage of everything in front of them, put the past behind them and look at the agency we all have as just that - all of one race is not one way so when she claims you are typical white person, she may be right who knows but she is being just as prejudice as she is fighting against. If we could let go of the hate then life would be a much happier place. I have never found that people like that actually want anything but to be angry and make all those around them as miserable as they are them self. I think your answers were very good - I would love to see my students thinking that much!
This is quite an interesting class you have going, sucka. I am envious of the opportunity you have to shed such light in the dark corners of this world. You meet others' hatred with the love of our savior and the truth of gospel principles, LIVED, not just preached. You choose to seek understanding and common ground. In truth, sucka, you ARE tending roses in that class. I have heard the hope you have sewn among other students in your midst as well, those of such diverse backgrounds, yet those willing to share their cultures quietly. These kindred spirits are what make it all worth it...the Marks and the Amals of this world who are seeking peace in the diversity discussion. All of you will reap the blessings of such exhange, quietly, persitently reminding the haters and porcupines of God's love for all His children. No matter the language spoken to HIM--he hears us all, and I am grateful!!!
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