Prejudice - the North VS the South

Prejudice is something you will find anywhere you live, to some extent anyway. Some folks just show it a little more than others do. For me the most disturbing thing is how many young people are exposed to this warped sense of thinking on a regular basis. Moreover, you wonder what is wrong with kids these days.

I remember a few instances of open prejudice during my time in the north. The first and probably most surprising experience involved my own father in my early teens. His pet names for our African-American neighbors made my skin crawl and repulsed me. I could not believe a devout Catholic like him could say and feel these things. Especially in front of me. Guess he was not so perfect after all.

Later on, I came to learn of a group of people Yankees dislike even more than African Americans. Anyone from the South, but especially migrant workers. The slow drawl, always-present boots and hat, and large belt buckles are always a source of jokes. However, migrant workers are different. Generally, they are Mexicans who do not speak much English.

These large families are cursed for coming in to "take our jobs and homes". In all fairness, they did come into the community once every year and stayed through the planting and harvesting seasons. They mainly were found in rural areas, especially those with orchards. In addition, they usually returned to the same place every year.

They usually worked the same fields every year too. But take our jobs ... no I do not think so. I did not see anyone standing in line for those hard, backbreaking jobs. Up at dawn, home after dark, little pay and cramped quarters. Not to mention the seasonal economy boost they gave the community. Some of which would have shriveled up without the migrants. Were they really all that bad?

Did I mention that prejudice seems to be a territorial thing? Well it is, let us take Texans as an example. They do not generally care for anyone not born in Texas. I have been here for 17 years, had a child, owned property, voted and worked in Texas ... yet I will forever be nothing more than a "Damn Yankee". Which by the way refers to a Yankee that came to Texas and stayed? Unless I leave again ... then I will just be a Yankee again.

Something that never fails to fill me with mixed emotions is the frequent KKK rallies in Texas. Along highways, in front of courthouses, in peaceful co-existing communities. Everyday folks using that dreaded "N" word. Has

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Dealing with prejudices in today's society?
We want to hear your view. Write now!