Yep, I figured that out yesterday. I don’t like admitting it, but I know I have to in order to change.

You see, I moved to the Rainier Valley on Thursday. I have been looking forward to living here for a long time, and very seriously considered doing it this past year. Now I’m finally here, and it’s great. The best thing about this part of town is its diversity. I just read that two thirds of the residents here are African American or Asian. For the first time in my life I am a racial minority.

So, as I explored the Valley a little bit yesterday, I realized I was racist. It’s not a very fun thing to realize. It’s not huge, I don’t hate any race more than another. But I found myself more suspicious and cautious around groups of people that weren’t white. I think that’s a problem. I think that’s wrong. So I’m going to work on it.

A couple of interesting things happened as I was out and about. I went to shoot baskets at a nearby park last night. I played for a while, and then walked around the park and sat at a picnic table. Lots of kids were showing up, many different age groups represented. As one kid walked by (he was probably 7 or 8 ) he looked at me and said, “hey nigga, you seen my knife? You seen my knife?” A little at a loss, I mumbled a no and he walked past. As I walked out of the park, he said, “whats up?” I said, “not much, hows it going?” “Good.” Then as I walked away, “bye.” So not much, but who knows, maybe I’ll see this kid again and we can talk some more.

As I walked past a bus stop on the way back to my house a man I had seen earlier asked about the bus. I had no answer for him, as I hadn’t taken that bus before. I told him good luck and was a few steps away when I heard him say, “It was nice to see another white guy around here.” Again at a loss, this time I said nothing and kept walking. Why didn’t I think of something to say? I definitely did not agree with him, the thought hadn’t crossed my mind at all regardless of my earlier realizations. Here’s the best answer I can come up with now, “You know, that thought never crossed my mind. You see, I enjoy the fact that everyone looks different, and a world where everyone is the same would be incredibly boring. Think about that and get back to me.” I can always think of the most witty things to say, unfortunately it’s usually about 20 minutes too late. I notice this happens around girls a lot. Alright, sorry I’m rambling.

So those are some of my first adventures in the Rainier Valley. I look forward to many more. Oh, and I heard 4 gunshots last night. Don’t tell my mom.