Hayward 1

Sebastian T. Hayward
Ms. Franklin
ENC 1101
16 July, 2015
Personal Growth in Racial Awareness
You cannot choose who or what you are born as. What you do with the gift of life
determines who your true identity is. The world we live in today is ever-changing and better
values and morals are being presented. Unfortunately, the ignorant masses havent lost their
hatred for others with a different skin color other than their own. Its nothing compared to how it
used to be, but theres still a lingering subtle dominance that white people have over black people
in todays society. We live in a world where people are judged and discriminated over things they
have no control over and it will continue to be this way unless knowledge and understanding is
shared among the human race.
To this day, I treat others with the kindness and respect that Id wish upon myself, no
matter their skin color. In reflection, I remember feeling puzzled once I realized the state of my
peers choices. I could feel the fear that was embedded in the minds of my classmates and I hate
to admit it but I felt a little frightened myself. My palms got sweaty, my throat tightened up, and
I refused to shut my eyes, not even to blink. It was something I wasnt used to. It was something
different, and a lot of people cant handle difference. Im hurt and also disappointed that this is
the world we live in. Im sick and tired of people saying thats just how it is or theres nothing
we can do about it because that is a damn lie. If I were to go back in time and re-live those
moments with the knowledge and understanding I have now, I wouldve been team captain and
picked those students that were socially isolated due to their skin color.
Ive spotted many incidents of abhorrence in my eighteen years of living but none of
them are as frustrating and gripping as this one. One of my best friends is black and man we go
way back. When we were in high school, there was a moment in time where his parents had to
move out of state for a little because their job required them to do so. In the mean time, my

Hayward 2
friend stayed at the house and my parents cared for him. One night as I was walking home from a
party, I noticed silhouettes of two figures standing along the side of my house. Looking to the
right I could see that there were no cars in my driveway. It seemed to me that they were peering
in through the window. My initial thought was that they were trying to rob my home so I had 911
already dialed just in case I had to call them. The grass rustled beneath my feet as I walked up to
them and they soon turned around once they heard my footsteps. The light outside shined on
their faces and I could see that these were your typical southern cowboys. These were the type of
people to hang a confederate flag in their garage and drive trucks through piles of mud. One of
them, obviously intoxicated, asks, You know theres a black guy in your house right? This
question was rather perplexing to me. Why and how did they even know this and why are they
even concerned? I explain to them that hes my friend and that Im allowing him to stay a couple
nights. There was a car jacking down the street the other day and the suspect is black. He
replied. I had to courteously let him know that hes just being illogical and that he needs to leave
my property immediately. At this point, I was beyond livid. He responded with threats and how
his father is a marine and whatnot. They end up stumbling away after a few more minutes of
rambling nonsense. As a white American, I am genuinely embarrassed and ashamed when I see
things like that. At the same time Im glad that Im not as ignorant and misguided as those two
were. Im fond of my friend and I care about him because hes always been there for me. Thats
why it breaks my heart knowing he lives everyday of his life under these circumstances. This
moment made it crystal clear to me that there isnt a balance of equal privilege between white
people and black citizens in America. As a white male I can easily say that my life is better than
most. the stereotype to their entire race. They arent afforded to that kind of freedom. If a white
man and a black man both took part in a shooting, the white man would be labeled as having

Hayward 3
mental issues while the black man would be considered an unlawful villain. Not only that, but it
is rare to see African Americans placed in high political or ranked positions. Sadly, it is normally
white Americans that are seated at high ranks in a given hierarchy, such as the work force. It is
our duty to address such issues and expand our horizons. I have to talk about this with my friend
like society has to discuss this amongst each other. Its a sticky situation but theres no better
remedy than comprehension and kindness. Skin color isnt something to fear or detest, its
something to appreciate. Its something to diversify us as a species. Just imagine, how bland
would life be if we were accustomed to one race or one culture? Culture influences and creates
our variety of music, cuisines, religion, clothing, language, marriage, our morals, ethics, values,
ways in which we greet others, and method in which to interact with the world on a daily basis.
The United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, and thats what
makes our country so remarkable. America is often described as a melting pot due to the fact
that different cultures have added their own special flavors. In my opinion these flavors mix
perfectly.