My Own Little "Crash"

I think people are racist without even realizing it. They think they aren't, but humans can't help themselves (see the movie "Crash" for confirmation of this). Like seeks like. That's just how our brains work so we cannot help a certain extent of our behavior.

But, sometimes it can be a little funny. Take my mother (please!)...

First, a little background. My parents are white and from the mid-west where at the time they were growing up, there was no other color to be found. Everyone was pale. My parents are 70 and 71 now, so have tended to grow up with certain ideas about other races but no real firsthand experience. I guess what I am asking is please forgive them. They know not what they do.

Here is our phone conversation the other day:

My Mom: "Your dad and I went to see two movies this week." (that is a big deal in itself)

Me: What movies?

My Mom: "Fools Gold" - which was cute and just o.k., and "Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins". That movie was so funny! We laughed and laughed! You know what? It made me wish I had a black friend."

Me: (in horror) "Mom! You can't say that! That's racist!"

My Mom: "No, it isn't! They are funny people!"

My parents are a lost cause. Don't even get me started on my dad and his rampages about the "homosexuals who are taking over the city council" in his town. The funny thing about that? My parents closest neighbors and friends are lesbians. They have these two women over for dinner all the time.

I suppose I am racist also, but I hope only in this - I do not like people who act like trash, but trash comes in all colors. I guess I am a full-fledged, card carrying, Britney Spears racist.