Who is Prejudice?

This Hub is being written because I have a lot of questions and confusion about the difference between Racism and Prejudice. And I don't think I'm the only one. However, I do think they have one big thing in common - Fear of the unknown.

I guess I don't understand racism because I am of so many different races that I don't know where I would even be classified. I do know some of them, English, Irish, American Indian, Dutch, Scottish, French, and that is where I run out. I married a man with a strong Norwegian heritage from his Fathers side, but his Mother is pretty much like me. Our kids were very blond when they were little, now they have dark brown hair. Two are blue eyed, one has brown eyes.

I have black hair and blue eyes, my husband grew up with blond hair and green eyes. He is now mostly gray haired.

My niece married a black man and they have an absolutely beautiful baby girl, and we all love her to pieces. We would not care if any of our son's came home and said he wanted to marry a girl of any different color.

If I ran into a scary white man in a dark alley, I would be just as scared to run into a scary blue man -or black, brown, red, yellow - whatever. A scary person is a scary person, no matter what color they may be.

They say most Serial Killers are White Men. And do you know why they say that? Through profiling. Educated studies and statistics that prove it. So, is that Racial Profiling? I don't know. I don't care. Heck, just catch them as fast as possible before they hurt someone else.

What does confuse me, and actually somewhat amazes me is what I see and hear from people that are more of less of one race. On one hand they seem proud of it, on the other hand they seem to have a chip on their shoulder about it. In certain periods of time, I think every race has been discriminated against. Irish, Italian, Latin, Indians, and the list goes on.

For a lot of people in America, I think when we think of racism, we used to think of African Americans first because of slavery. I still don't get why they're called African Americans, if they were born and raised here in America. A lot of "Black" people don't even have ancestors from Africa.

However, I think a lot of people think of Mexicans first now. But it's not because of Racism. It's because they are thinking of Illegal Aliens. But that doesn't just mean they are from Mexico. A lot of people from different countries come here Illegally.

So, while I know I am not a Racist, I think maybe I am prejudice? I don't mind people coming to live here from other countries. As a matter of fact, I usually find them fascinating. However, I do think that to receive any kind of free benefits, they should become Legal Citizens and contribute.

Our country is so far in debt, we need to find a way to cut back on any extra expenses. So, one thing I have a problem with is having to print things in so many different languages. If you want to live here - I think you MUST learn the language, especially if you want to drive here. I wonder how much taxes we pay to have signs and instructions printed in different languages? Especially in New York. Then there's extra costs for schools, hospitals and the list goes on.

And I don't understand why, if they want to live HERE, why do they want to march on our streets carrying a flag from a different country, demanding we give them free rights. If they want to keep the ways of their original country, why don't they march on their own streets demanding their true rights?

And I think they need to be required to pass a Health test, have a certain amount of education AND MOST OF ALL - NO CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDS.

I grew up in San Antonio, TX. I have had Mexican friends all my life. But I really do think that in today's world of terrorists and the horrible economy, people need to stop worrying about being Politically Correct, and take a stand to protect our country. Other countries do.

We have too many American born citizens that are living in poverty, including children, that go hungry everyday. We have millions of orphans. We still have people hurting from Katrina, and now another disaster in the Gulf coast. Until we can take care of people in our own county, we shouldn't be letting others just take it. It's like they say when you're in an airplane. If you don't put the mask over your own face first - you can't help anyone else. Think about that.

People say that what they are doing in Arizona is Racial Profiling. Well, so what? That's how they catch Serial Killers too.

You may or may not agree with this view, but I do hope it makes you think about it.