FacingRacismLR

The Dreams of the Hopeful Youth
Emily’s story by Maggie West
Emily is 12 years old.
My parents taught me that I should never judge people. Everyone is equal and
everyone is a person.
My dad is the reason why I have a strong interest in these issues. He is a student and
is studying Social Work. I love to go with him to talks and meetings about dealing with
race and religion issues. It teaches me how to be open-minded and I feel that it makes a
good impact on me.
It all started before I was born. My aunt told my mom that she was ruining my life.
I am mixed. I’m Mexican and American. My aunt believed that I wouldn’t be accepted
by my Mexican or my American sides. The only reason she came to see me after I was
born was because I looked white; not mixed.
My parents are Muslim. My aunt doesn’t like that, because she is a Christian. She
posted on Facebook: “All I need to know about Islam and Muslims is the first five
minutes of 9/11.”
As I’ve gotten older, I think she has changed her views. She doesn’t see me as anything
other than a person. Even though we don’t talk as much, I hope to eventually have a
conversation with her about these things. But if not, I still love her even if she made
those bad decisions and choices. I will always love her; she is still my aunt.
My friends at school accept me. A lot of my friends are of mixed race. When we
talk about racial or religious issues at school, we like to educate each other instead of
fighting each other about it. We learn that it’s better to learn the right things about each
other instead of believing the wrong things.
When I reflect on certain issues, I like to think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
because he wanted everyone to be treated as a human being regardless of their skin
color. One thing I believe could help ease racial and religious tension is jus t everyone
having a civilized meeting about issues going on around the world. I want them to be
able to talk about everything without violence and hatred.
When I grow up I think I want to be an animator—drawing for video games. I think
through my drawings and games I could set an example on being open about different
cultures and ethnicities.
I want to teach people that they shouldn’t judge others. I want to show people
it’s okay to be themselves.
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