First, end it within YOURSELF. Recognize those attitudes/beliefs that are 'conditioned' to be intolerant and see nothing but differences. Practice letting them go every time they come up, and make an effort to get to know people of different races, beliefs and lifestyles. It's hard to stay prejudiced when you've had a friend that belongs to a 'target group'...

As your attitudes change so will your behaviours and the people around you will notice and be affected too. Your new tolerance and compassion will ripple out and affect everyone you touch. Action speaks louder than words...

I remember when I was about 6 years old my mom had found a new piano teacher for me. For a few days before my first lesson she had 'warned' me over and over that the lady was Jamaican and had dark skin and I wasn't, repeat WASN'T to stare at her or ask questions or make ANY comments. By the time we were driving over to my first lesson I had this picture in my mind of a big weird-looking beast or something and I was really scared. Too scared to say anything at all.

When I saw her smiling, tanned-looking face I was shocked and relieved! I swear if it hadn't been so 'forewarned' my childish brain wouldn't even have noticed ANYTHING 'different' about her at all! And she was the most loving, musical teacher I ever had.

Anyway here's a quote I've always loved...

"THE HEART NEVER KNOWS THE COLOUR OF THE SKIN"
      -Chief Dan George (1899-1991)
       Salish spokesperson and actor


daylia