Text Box: As a rule of thumb, I was usually able to steer clear of any trouble while attending school. One day my mom received a phone call from the principal of a school that I did not attend. Her immediate reaction was something that I can still picture to this day. The principal began to describe to her what had happened on the school bus that particular morning. She interrupted him long enough to get my attention and have me come sit by her. This was not the tone of voice that assured me that everything was going to be okay. I immediately knew I was in trouble and the following minutes were not going to be pleasant. I entered the room dejected as she continued the conversation while staring at me. The principal was very upset and I Text Box: could see the concern changing to both disappointment and anger. Every once in a while I could make out some of the things the principal was saying. Maybe it was just the forceful way that he expressed his concerns to my mother, nonetheless; I grew increasingly concerned. The principal explained how a student came into his office crying as a result of a name that I had supposedly called him. I also heard him mention the word “suspension.” By this time, my mom clearly had fire coming out of her ears as she began to inquire further. She asked, “what was the specific word that was used?” The principal informed her that I had actually used a series of words. Now the fire was forming into a volcanic eruption and lava was beginning Text Box: to flow. In disbelief my mom heard him say, “A racist bigot.” She listened in disbelief as the principal repeated the phrase a couple more times for emphasis. I could tell the words were bouncing around inside my mother’s head. All of the sudden her face softened and began to transform from anger to joy. She looked down at me with a large smile on her face and confirmed that I had used the words in a appropriate context when confronting the other student. The principal could tell that my mom’s attention was shifting away from him and that her concern was depleting. Finally my mom interrupted the principal and looked at me and said, “Kevin, I’m so proud of you.” -Kevin Campbell Text Box: because you can not understand it. Each of you can relate to this within your own social environment in one small way or another. Some examples of this have been brought to my attention but are too hurtful to mention in this publication. I can assure you that some form of racism exists at your school or possibly even your church and it is very “real” to the person on the receiving end. I know that sometimes we are uncomfortable with what we can’t relate to or understand, but that does not make it ok to make fun of someone that God both created and values. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He gave two. The first being to love God with all your heart and the second being to love others. I will go as far as to say that you can’t do the first without doing Text Box: For those of you that have never heard the term “A Racist Bigot” before, it describes a person that dislikes, judges and disgraces people based on their race and ethnic background. Above, I described a situation where I confronted another student with that term. This was a good description of the behavior that was being displayed towards the other student. Although the term “A Racist Bigot” can be offensive and hurtful (not a recommended term), it accurately described the student and got their attention. In the Bible we read that there is no difference between Jews or Gentiles. Everyone is the same in the sight of our Lord and all are created equal. People of all different backgrounds, colors, shapes and sizes were created in God’s image. Even within Rochester schools, both public and private, we have students that are made fun of because they act or look different. Maybe they speak a different language than you and you feel awkward listening to it Text Box: the second. In the book of John, Jesus tells his disciples that people will know that they love God by the way they love those around them. I will leave you with this challenge:- examine your life and imitate Christ’s humanity! When people look at you are they seeing love or are they seeing a person that is critical and non-accepting of others? Are you known for making fun of people who are different than you? How do you treat the “loser-types” at both your school and church? Whether it be obvious or subtle jokes, be careful; because it can be hurtful. Each of you is valuable and deserves to be accepted unconditionally. Loving is the key, I encourage you to do this even when it may be difficult. -Kevin Campbell Text Box: A Racist Bigot#@! Text Box: Examine Your Life...