It was around the first week in May–An European woman and her 7 year old daughter came into the studio where I was teaching. After all the introductions ,program overview, and they observed the class for about 15 minutes–the mother seemed excited about her daughter being in the class. The daughter facial expression was one I have seen one too many times–she did not seem to feel comfortable in a room with all African-American students. Eventhough we tried to make her feel as welcomed as possible nothing seemed to work. She told her mom she thinks I would be mean to her. I tried to asure her that I am not mean. But, somewhere along the line this child has been exposed to negativity towards African-Americans. I do not think it came from the mother but I do not know about the father since they are separated. Or, maybe the child had a bad experience with an African-American.
All I know is I was raised with colorless eyes. After someone taught me when I was child at summer camp to see color I still looked at people as people. However, it was then I realized I was the only African-American in everything I did as a child–Guess What!–It did not stop me because I refuse to see human colors. I teach my students to love and embrace cultural diversity.
Jross School Of Arts & Indep. Studies, Inc. 