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White Christian Lady with White Kids, on Racism


What do I know about racism? 

I know I feel outrage for a Muslim woman who was attacked, reportedly by two Caucasian 20-something men in Toronto on November 16th, following the ISIS attacks of the previous weekend in Europe and the Middle East.  It was reported she was picking up her children from school.  How must her kids have felt as they watched their Mother being taken to hospital?  How do her kids feel safe after that?

I know my stomach churns with the knowledge that the Peterborough Mosque was set on fire that same weekend.  Over $100,000 was raised in just over 24 hours for the repairs – but that does not change the fact that hate lit a match of fear in a place of worship.   



I don’t know what it is like to walk down the street tense, guarded, in fear someone could act on their hate for what my appearance represents to them.   Wolf calls from men as I walked by did not give me any idea what it’s like to be afraid for my safety because I look different, believe something different.

I don’t know what it’s like to question my ability to support my family because customers might avoid my business for fear profits could be fueling ISIS.  Being the lone woman in a male dominated senior management team did not prepare me for what it must be like to have customers and friends turn their back because I look or sound like something that scares them.

The pain I felt every day for a month when my daughter was being bullied does not compare to the fear and concern western Muslim parents must live with each and every day they send their children out into the western world – during times like these. 

A land of opportunity paved with ignorance, racism and violence is no opportunity at all.

This white lady is proud to have kids with friends who all look different, and believe different things.  I am delighted to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Diwali …… and learn about the traditions that make them good, kind humans. When my kids describe a new friend I learn about the characteristics of that human, not the lazy labels others have stamped upon them.

I am anti-racism.  I will say it, live it, BE it.  My small contribution to fighting racism – I will use words.  Many, many carefully crafted words distributed often.   I will no longer quietly walk away to avoid racist or bigoted comments.  My disgust will be evident, and my absence from those individuals will be immediate.


What does this white lady with white kids know about living with racism?  Not a damn thing - except, racism will not be tolerated in my circles.  Hate will never live in my house. 

What will you do to neutralize racism and bigotry in your corner of the world?
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