One change I've made in my life that made a huge difference was my humor. When I was a kid it was safest to learn fast so I became an excellent mimic.
It was also my job TO KEEP THINGS LIGHT [terrified laugh]. So from an early age my parents had me do impressions of people they targeted to make fun of. They'd have me mimic disabled people, kids w funny tics or accents, anyone not white, & hey, when they were laughing at me they weren't abusing me like normal. I had to leave them all to realize this was also terrible abuse.
So now I know better & I don't make jokes about people's appearances or bodies. I try to limit my humor to people's behavior or puns. I can't get enough nerd humor. It's a better life not laughing at the expense innocent people's traits & features. It's a better life being kind.
If we could try to not make jokes that on the most basic level are aimed at cutting people down, I think it might be a more joyful place.
My parents were terrible people. Realizing that wasn't normal & that being nice was the better way saved me. Come away from familial racism. There's a whole nation of us that are ready to lend our support on your journey. We've come from hate. Let us help you #ComeAwayFromRacism
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