This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
What did you create?
If you’re a racist or have racially questionable views, then it is highly likely your parents feel similar; parents teach us how to feel and think about race – intentionally and unintentionally.
My parents raised us in diverse environments.
They allowed us to experience every form of schooling (i.e., private school, public school, homeschool, distance learning, charter school, and alternative school), exposing us to diverse groups of people from all backgrounds.
We didn’t come from wealth or privilege, but my parents have always been resourceful and know how to make things happen. I’m explicitly referencing private school because that sh*t was overpriced.
I don’t recall my parents ever saying anything negative about any particular race of people. Their views were the same for everyone, and they understood and knew how to communicate with everyone, which helped my siblings and me do the same.
Diversity Was Common In My Childhood
Our friends were never from one racial category.
And I prefer it this way because diversity helps me stay open-minded and be more empathetic.
Even when I was the only black person in my class or group, I never felt out of place. I thrived, and I’m grateful to my parents for being the catalysts for this type of confidence.
Our parents never raised eyebrows or tried to sway us from dating people outside our race and were always supportive and welcoming of any previously labeled “unconventional” choices we made regarding race.
My Montana Experience
On a recent trip to Montana, I was frequently the only black person in sight, and I was okay with this.
I found the people more amply friendly and fun to chat with.
The only odd thing I found was most of the housekeepers I encountered were white, which made sense since the state is predominantly white, but I wasn’t used to seeing caucasian people in these types of service roles.
An intriguing example of perpetuated societal norms
It’s essential to be able to thrive in these types of environments without freaking out or responding negatively.
Also, remember that in these homogenous places, since the residents don’t see a lot of “color,” when we do show up, it is an opportunity to show them how positive their interactions with us can be.
My White Friend Had To Leave Their Homogenous State
A friend told me they had to leave their home state, which had similar demographics to Montana because it was too homogenous.
They felt it was a suffocating environment, so they left somewhere more diverse.
Chatting with white people who recognize the importance of living in diverse environments is refreshing.
Parents Determine How Racist Generations Are
Everyone has biased views, including yourself.
I learned many lessons from my parents, but for this article, the one I’ll share is:
Children become like their parents unless they grow in self-awareness and establish their own identities.
Whether you’re white, black, brown, purple, blue, orange, yellow, or green, if you have biases, prejudices, and stereotypes toward others, your children are more likely to adopt them.
Change the future generations by changing yourself.
You Can’t Bring A Black Guy Home
An old friend’s parents told her she could never bring a black guy home.
Even when she liked a black guy, she never brought him home or pursued a relationship, and she likely never will because her parents’ ideologies are so ingrained in her ideology now.
My White Friend’s Parents Told Her She Can’t Bring A Black Guy Home
Does this make her parents racist?
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.