Samuel Roux: Autobiography

My name is Samuel Roux, I'm a junior. My personal ethnic and racial heritage is a mix of French and Italian. Both my Grandmothers are mostly Italian, while both my Grandfathers are mostly French. Normally when I identify myself I say exactly what I just typed out above, although I never feel the need to do so unless it is asked of me. When I was a child, I was as oblivious as could be to racial issues. I always recognized people as different colored, but I never would have been able to understand all the stereotypical agendas that were behind these colors. It wasn't until Middle School where I started to understand these concepts, mostly through television. My parents and teachers have always preached about respect and diversity, and I have learned a great deal from them and agree with their outlook on race and ethnicity. My views have greatly changed over time, and I believe they will continue to change as I experience life. As I meet new people, I start to lose these preconceived notions that i've gained through growing up and I'm a lot less judgemental of a person because of it. Of course i've experienced racism, I experience it everyday. On the news, in the classroom, everywhere. It's hard to break away from the need to classify everything in your life, but it is essential for a better life.