Hard Work Is Best Weapon Against Racial Prejudice Letter Of The Week: From March 16

We have three Hispanic sons. In 1994, two of them were stopped at 7:30 a.m. on their way to work.

The police did not issue a ticket, but did detain the oldest while they “checked him out.” I don’t know if it was prejudice against minorities or kids, but I bet that if I, a middle-age white man, had been driving, my passenger would not have been ordered out of the truck.

I was angry. I cooled off considerably when I realized the extent to which we have not experienced racism. In 14 years as a mixed-race family, this incident and a few slurs on the soccer field are about it.

There was, however, one enlightening incident. Our youngest brought home a letter from a teacher trying to organize a minority students program. He showed me the letter and said, “Pa, I’ve never been discriminated against. Why does she think I need special help? Does she think I’m retarded?”

If you look for prejudice, you’ll find it. Have an attitude and prejudice will find you. Meanwhile, the motivated, disciplined and nonconfrontational will succeed - regardless of race.

Case in point: Colin Powell was born black and poor, has a mixed-race family and faced the usual prejudice against minorities. He chose to work hard, ignore the prejudice and work around the discrimination. Gen. Powell had a spectacular career, is our most respected leader and would be our next president had he chosen to run. Jim Shamp Spokane

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