1/28/2020 1 Comment January 28, 2020"Different" Mommy, why is his skin black?
He is African-American, and they have darker skin than us. So they are different? Yes, sweetie. It is pouring rain while the fog overtakes the sky, blocking the big yellow circle. Jumping through the knee high puddles of water, running through the soaked patches of grass I finally find my mom’s hand as we cross the road. My yellow rain boots, pink rain jacket, and my teddy bear in my arms bring a smile to my face as the skies glow a grey tint. I will never forget the moment where I raised my head staring into my moms eyes and asked her why some people have a different colour skin than me. She paused, and pondered my question. I think she was wondering why I would ask her that. I was scared, nervous and confused as any child at the age of five would be when they see someone who is different. How does a parent explain to their child at the age of four why someone’s skin is not the same as theirs? I sensed the struggle in my mom’s voice as she tried to explain why his skin was black, she could tell that I was interested and would not stop asking until I understood. I remember going to school and telling my friends about how I saw someone who had black skin and I told them it was scary, because I had never seen someone who was not like me, (there was no range of diversity in my school because it was so small). All my friends told me that their parents told them never to talk to strangers and be careful of the ones that have different colour skin. I was confused. I remember going up to my teacher and asking her, “Why should I stay away from people who are different than me?” she responded with a smile on her face, “You shouldn’t.” This was the first time where I noticed that not everyone is like me and that is how life is supposed to be. People should not be judged for their skin colour. Looking back at this moment I know that the man I stopped and stared at knew why I froze. I am glad that I asked my mom that question because I was able to learn at a young age that it is good to be different.
1 Comment
Cassidy Olson
1/30/2020 06:40:27 pm
It is interesting when we see someone who doesn't have the same skin colour, and the innocence of a child asking is so pure! I think it was great of your mom to explain rather than shutting down your question in hopes it would go away! Your ideas in the beginning seemed a little unorganized to read, I think you should have put the conversation after describing walking with your mom. Once I read past where you were walking with your mom the rest was a great read! You had a very clear memory which was impressive, I could picture it as if I was the one walking! It's so important we teach young ones at a young age that different is okay and I love how you put that in there!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |