"Hate isn't born, it's taught"

So Saturday on the Streets yesterday was great. It began as a slow day. At St. Paul's I started talking to someone and it just seemed like force conversation. Then at the park I started talking to these two guys, Dallas and William. We talked about books and movies and then about some of their past and their lives right now. Conversation was so easy and natural, just like friends anywhere talking. They asked why we come out here. I explained that we are not out here to "save" or to change anyone, but just to get to know and befriend our neighbors--to bridge a distance that has been made. And from here we talked about racism for a while. These were two homeless black men, one 40 and the other about 57. They were explaining simply how ridiculous racism is, but not in a hostile or defensive way. They never blamed "the white man" for the situation they are in; in fact they took total responsibility. Dallas said he had never seen a white person in real life (only on tv) until he was 12, and that he heard how awful they were. But once he actually got out in the world and made friends he realized that was all crap. He says he doesn't see race now. Then William went on to explain some of his experiences and said, "Hate isn't born, it's taught." This isn't revolutionary, but for some reason it just hit me hard today. And it's not true just with racism, but also with perception of homelessness, ignorance, or anything else that divides society. People aren't born thinking they are above others, it is taught by family or even just the shape society. Then we went on to talk about homelessness, their experiences in the shelter and on the street, and the cycle of hopelessness that so many get trapped in. After living in the shelter at Pine for years many people just give up. They don't have to ever leave. Going to the lot, they can get meals, clothes, alcohol and drugs if they want... There is a sense of security. Dallas went on about how smart some of these guys are too. Some have college or post-grad degrees. But due to one thing or another they are trapped in this sense of hopelessness. Then there are people really trying to get out of this cycle but who can't seem to break through. It was a great, open conversation, I almost didn't want to leave (but it was ridiculously hot and time to pack up...). As I headed out I asked if there was anything they wanted prayer for (expecting to pray for it later) and Dallas said for their health. He motioned like he wanted to pray right then so 4 of us took hands and prayed there in the park. It was a good day.