Poisoned Minds Tommy, an American Indian, was the new boy at school. "My new school is awful!" he complained to his mother. "The kids are so mean! They think we wear war paint and feathers and say, "Ugh! How! Me Big Chief Tommy Hawk."
"Someone's teased you, I see," said Mom with a smile. "It's not funny," replied Tommy, almost in tears. Mom was sympathetic. "I'm sorry, honey. I do know what it's like," she assured him. "I'm an American Indian, too. I'm proud of my heritage, but no matter where you live, there will be people with prejudices." "Prejudices," said Tommy. "What's that?" "Prejudices are opinions people form before the facts are known. It's like their minds are poisoned with unfair and unreasonable dislikes for someone or something. People who are prejudiced often dislike those who are different from themselves," Mom replied. "Now... tell me about the kids in your class." "Well, mostly they're just regular kids," said Tommy. "There's one girl, though, who's different. Her name is Marta, and every day, a chauffeur in a big, fancy car brings her to school and picks her up. She's a snob! She goes around with her nose in the air. She doesn't seem to have any friends at school, and it's no wonder!" "You don't even know Marta, but you're judging her like others judged you," scolded Mom. "But, Mom..." began Tommy. "There are other prejudices besides racial ones," Mom said. "Some people are prejudiced against other religions or against disabled people. Some are prejudiced against the rich or the poor. All kinds of prejudices are wrong, they poison the mind of the person who has them." Tommy knew his mother was right. "Okay. I'll talk to Marta and try to be her friend," he said slowly. "Good," approved Mom, "and try not to be too sensitive when kids tease you. After all, everyone is laughed at sometimes-for being too fat or too skinny or red headed or freckle-faced or too smart." Mom smiled. "Instead of getting all upset over others' misunderstandings, learn to thank God for making us all different," she added. "Think how boring it would be if we were all alike!") HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you know someone who's prejudiced? How about yourself? You probably think you're not, but do you tease or avoid someone who is different from you? Someone of a different nationality? Someone who doesn't have the nicest clothes or hair? Or someone who's too shy or too bold? Ask God to help you be friendly, kind, and learn to appreciate everyone's differences. Decide to treat people you think are "different" just the way you like to be treated yourself. THE KEY: Don't be prejudiced -- Access the Recipes And More list archives at: http://www.mail-archive.com/recipesandmore%40googlegroups.com/ Visit the group home page at: http://groups.google.com/group/RecipesAndMore
