WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU WITNESS DISCRIMINATION

· Interrupt. For example, "Excuse me??" "Please Stop it” or “Wait a Moment, I think we don't need to say or do that...”

· Express upset feelings: "I'm very uncomfortable with what you are saying..."

· Disagree, call it racist: "No, I think those words are hurtful and seem to me to be racist."

· Question the truth of what is said: "Is that really true?"

· Point out how it offends and hurts people, tell them of some of the wounds you have recieved at careless, insensitive or spiteful people.

· Put the offender on the spot - hold them accountable for their words and behavior.  Gently remind them of better behavior and your hopes for them.

· Help the offender to self reflect (take a personal look at his/her actions)  "Have you ever been in their spot?"  "Have you ever been discriminated against or made fun of...?"  "Let's find ways to support each other even if we disagree with each other."

· Support the victim   "I know how you feel" or "I certainly do NOT share that point of view."  or "I'm here for you.  I think you're great."

· Ask others for help and involvement

· Approach other witnesses at the scene and invite their better natures to join in the discussion of how to talk in a non-racist way.

All these ideas are great ways to begin a conversation about how we all can take responsibility in making the world a better place, in "making a difference through Christ."

(adapted from 'Handbook for Responding to Racism' )

"I recieved a racist e-mail joke from a friend that offended me greatly.  I wrote back immediately and let her know that the joke did not seem like her at all and that I was very surprised that she had sent it out.  I asked her politely not to send any such material to me anymore."          - Diane

Barak Obama rumors:

     Truth or Fiction . com (impartial)

     Website sponsored by Obama Campaign

John McCain Rumors:

     Truth or Fiction . com  (impartial)

Dealing with Bigotry:

     Responding To Bigotry (about.com)

     Responding to Ageism: (Am Psychology Assoc.)

     Ageism: From a global perspective:

     Parents teaching Children How to respond to bigotry (about.com)

     Youth to Youth discussions about bullying and racism

UMC Resources:

     General Commission on Religon and Race:

     General Commission on Religion & Race book list:

     General Board of Discipleship - Center on Aging:

Other Resources:

Anti-Defamation League - Campaign Issues:

Southern Poverty Law Center  

Native American perspective on elections & racism:

www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm

(If you have any other links and/or resources, please e-mail them to the church office. Thanks.)

...with the nominations for President all but assured of an African-American and an ex-POW Sr. Citizen, there is a strong possibility of racism, ageism and bigotry of many kinds surfacing over the next few months.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to do all we can to keep the election as civil, respectful and full of God's grace as we possibly can.

Here are a few suggestions plus some links in the sidebar for you to follow up.

Be prepared to speak up with you hear a racist joke or an ageist slam.  Help us remove the coarseness that has crept into our society and replace it with Christian love.

To quote an old Rush (the classic rock band) song, "Even if you choose not to make a choice, you still have made a choice."

Whether you choose to respond verbally to bigotry, or not, you are still making a choice.

"Most of us at one time or another have been a part of discussions where appeals to racial prejudice were employed. How we responded in that moment probably revealed more about us than anything alleged about the targeted group. Whether we stood up as we might have, or caved in to remain comfortably safe, we all know that we have more work to do to stamp out this evil."

         - Ms. Nadine Smith, columnist and Executive director of Equality Florida.

Finding the courage to interrupt hate speech and uninformed ignorance, when it occurs, can translate into a victory for all. Following are some ways you can choose to counter bigotry.

 * * * * * * * * * *

* Just Say No:

There is nothing more withering to a bigot than to be told that their bigotry is not shared, and worse, that it's unacceptable to you.

* Reject Their Manipulation:

Birds of a feather, don't necessarily have to flock together. Shatter the bigot's assumption that your shared race translates into shared ignorance - recognize it as the insult that it is, and enlighten the biased individual on the differences in your values and views.

* Allow Your Actions to Communicate Your Beliefs and Values:

For example, refuse to socially "freeze out" individuals or groups because of their racial, ethnic, religious or other identity. Instead, take the initiative to invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in group discussions or social events.

* Don't be a Follower:

Object when peers resort to cheap tactics, such as trashing other groups, as a means of forging solidarity within your group.

* Assume Responsibility for Change in Your Immediate World:

It is often said that change starts with one person. Another of my favorite quotes says: Be the change you want to see in the world. Recognize that if each of us confronted bias, bigotry and racism in our daily lives, we would, each of us, play an important role in ultimately shaping social norms.

(Obtained from- Responding to Bigotry: Recognizing the Choices You Can Make. From About.com)