NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Living overseas for the majority of my life, racism was never a subject that I had to deal with. I was raised in a multi-cultural household; therefore, I was taught to appreciate people for who they are, not for the color of there skin. In relation to the story of Boyhood with Gurdjieff, my attitude had to be reevaluated when I encountered a situation dealing with racism. One night, a couple of friends and I gathered together to watch a boxing match between a Mexican-American fighter and a Puerto Rican fighter.
With the massive adrenaline rushing throughout the room, arguments began to flare up about who was the superior warrior. This type of arguing is expected; however, one senseless soul (whose name is insignificant; nevertheless, I will refer to him as D) decided to yell out that, Puerto Ricans are generally better then Mexicans! I was outraged! I could not believe that D had the dignity to blurt out such a racial statement over a boxing match.
To make matters worse, D tried to convince me (a Mexican-American) how literal his statement was. My manner towards D changed immediately from friendly acquaintance to enemy. How do I overcome such stupidity and immaturity? Does my hate put me in the same category as this racist? These questions and more run through my mind constantly as I think back to this unforgettable moment. Hate is a word that I rarely use in my vocabulary; however, hate is the feeling that I had throughout that entire night.
As I arrived home all I thought about was, Why I didnt knock this guy silly? I called my father and I asked him how people are supposed to deal with situations like this? He calmly said to me, Son, there will be horrible people where ever you go. Your job is to exclude yourself from that category. I said, Dad, dont you feel any sort of hate or disgust? He said to me again, Exclude yourself son.
I felt betrayed. I thought my father would rebel with me and stick up for our culture; instead, he advises me to turn the other cheek. In frustration I said to him, Where is your sense of nobility and self-respect! The hate not only blurred my reasoning, it also caused me to disrespect the one person whom I was trying to defend. Pride is the uncontrollable ego that can sometimes cause unnecessary emotion leading to regret. My father forgave me for my disrespectful outburst and he asked me to forgive D for his remarks as well.
It was hard for my ego to embrace such a passive attitude; despite that, I agreed to talk to D. The following afternoon I met D at the gym and I asked him candidly, Why do you have such negative views of Mexican-Americans? He calmly replied, All I see is Mexicans who jump the border or work dead-end jobs. Theyre not proud to stay in their own country.
I was appalled; moreover, my emotions were building up to the point to where I was about to say something that sounded just as ignorant. I took a deep breath and without a thought, I said to him, Im sorry that I fail to fall to your expectations. I felt proud, I felt in control, and most of all I had no regrets. Today, my attitude towards D and people like him has changed dramatically. I can honestly say that I am concerned for him and for the family that he will eventually have. The United States is filled with a variety of multicultural people and if he continues to have this close-minded attitude, his journey through life will be filled with countless tribulations.
My attitude towards my father has changed from a simple caregiver to the most brilliant man in the world. He taught me that pride and nobility is important for me as an individual. I am no longer concerned about the feelings that some people might have towards me because of my culture. My hate put me in the same category as the racist; I know that I am a better man than that.
Free research essays on topics related to: boxing match, mexican american, category, mexican, ego
Research essay sample on Boxing Match Mexican American
