Article September 6, 1999 Issue

Healing racism

When prejudice lurks in thought

By Beverly Goldsmith

While attending a conference in another country, I met a delegate from an area where racism was then supported by law and daily practiced against his people. This man was a joy to know. He was so gentle, kind, courteous, and intelligent. I felt angry that he was deprived of his freedom. Finally I decided to ask him how he could be so calm and loving in the face of racial bigotry and hatred. How could he stand not being free?

With quiet dignity he replied, "But I am free. No one can control what I think! No one can limit where I go in my thoughts." Instantly I felt humbled. He had shown me a higher sense of freedom. What love I felt for him. How he spurred me on to pray for racial discrimination to be healed!

Yet despite that experience, some time later I had to confront racial prejudice in my own thinking. I required the services of a computer technician on short notice. The person who came to help me was of a different race. Instead of being glad that he was available, I inwardly doubted his ability. He must have sensed my silent criticism of him and his nationality because he went to some lengths to explain his qualifications and why he had migrated to my country from his native land in Southeast Asia. Immediately I felt ashamed of myself.

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