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Racism and Stereotypes I've been in the army almost two years now. I've had a whole lot of bad times and a couple good times. I've met some good people and well some not so good people. Also Since I've been in the Army I've had to travel to a lot of different places. The point I'm getting at is that since I've joined the Army I've been exposed to a lot of people who grew up a lot differently than me. I know it sounds funny and that you may be thinking, well we all grew up differently, and your right we did, but we still grew up in similar environments. Being from Minnesota and just being who I am has brought me a constant barrage of put downs and stereotypes. One of the most common being that Minnesota is all white. Or that since I didn't grow up "tough" I'm a target and that its a "bad" thing I didn't grow up that way. The funny thing is that all of these comments are usually by people who grew up in worse environments than I did. Mostly from people who grew up in the ghetto or in poor Hicksville no where USA. At first these comments didn't really bother me to much, but as time goes on they start to get me mad. I'm getting tired of being looked down on by some other people because I'm white and came from a white middle class family in Minnesota. I know this sounds funny and some people my be thinking "now you know what its like for everybody else" and I come back with this. I have never put anyone down because of where they come from or what color there skin is, so looking at that comment that "now you know what its like for everybody else" its really a comment that in itself is well, bitter. Since I have never done that to anyone why would anyone wish that it would happen to me? Just something to ponder. Also thinking about some of the comments people make, it isn't bad to grow up in a middle class suburb. I went to a good school, didn't worry about being shot or stabbed, never had to worry were my next meal was going to come from and didn't have to be "tough" to "make it." Also I noticed that yes there is racism in the Army, but people tend not to show it or act on it. I've even had pretty long conversations with people on why its wrong. The thing I'm getting at though, is that I don't see the people who are racist against each other putting one another down here in the open. I see them both centering on me. Its not an everyday thing just comments every now and then. I used to almost feel bad when people would put me down, but the more it happens and the more I think of my life the more I'd rather be proud of who I am and how I grew up. I'm a good person who has had a decent life and if they don't like it they can keep it to themselves because I'm tired of hearing shit from them. I think is funny that people putting me down for being who I am, gave me a little pride, where before I didn't think it made a difference at all how I grew up or where I came from. Tell you the truth I'd still like to feel that way. It shouldn't make a difference where your from, we are all people, all Americans, all equal. I wish we could all just get along. Simple Life Another topic that I've thought of a lot lately it being happy. Since I can remember I've always wanted to be happy and wondered what it would take to be happy. My earlier views tended to be that I need lots of money to be happy because that way I could have anything I want and go have exciting vacations. Nothing can bring you happiness without friends though. That leads me to where I am today. I am happy when I'm with Desiree and I love her. I do have to say that. Pretty much happier than any other time, but even though I'm happier with Desz then any other time, I don't think I'm not has happy as I could be. To remedy this, I make plans, strive to be successful, and to better myself so that when Desz and I can be together again, we will be comfortable and that will make me more happy. I think, yeah it would make me happy, but their would still be a small part missing. Looking back over my life I think the thing I'm missing to be truly happy is myself. You can't be happy with truly life, unless your happy with yourself. Don't get me wrong I don't think my life sucks by any means and I in no way would try to end my life. There is just something about myself that I'm not satisfied with. I don't really know what it is, but I would like it to be resolved. I write all this really not to talk about me, but I know a lot of people are striving to be happy and in different places to try to find it. The only place to look to find real happiness is inside yourself. If you can't find it there you will not be able to find it anywhere. I know that sounds clichéd but its the truth an something I've discovered not something I have just read.
by Eric |
