“Damn those Mexicans!” Says my father, who continues to gripe about how ‘they’ steal all the manual labor jobs that he’s trying to get. I can’t describe how I feel about his sentiments in polite company. Let’s just say I feel for people who try to improve their family’s well being by doing whatever they can. Even if it means sneaking into a country that may not want you. I’d rather people immigrate legally, but I certainly understand why people do risk their lives for the hope of a better one.

“Damn those Muslims. I hope they all blast themselves to hell for not acknowledging Jesus as God!” So spake my step mom as I restrained myself to not lash out with incredibly harsh words. I really wanted to tell her what a wonderful Christian she was by giving Muslims such a heart-warming prayer. I can see how frantically she is clinging to religion in these ‘golden’ years of her life. She’s becoming even more intolerant of people who do not share her faith and seems to almost expect that people acknowledge Jesus as their lord. Excuse me, but I think faith is a personal thing and Mom needs to back off with her high handed remarks. In my presense, at least.

Guess what? I think my parents are racist! There is always something to be learned from DIVERSITY, from other cultures and beliefs.