There Should Be No Need for ‘Passing’

“Guessing Games” (by Lynell George, Feb. 21) dealt with “passing,” a term I’d never heard before. That’s probably because I am white and grew up in an all-white town on the East Coast, moving to California in 1974.

Things are different here. As the most diverse part of the nation, we have the greatest opportunity to break down the walls that separate us.

I keep recalling a line I read somewhere: “Race exists because there is prejudice, not the other way around.” I think of that statement often. It makes me peel away the layers of labels that have defined me until I reach the one we all share: human being.

Too many in this country still suffer the effects of segregation, racism and prejudice, most of which have been taught to us. We have been conditioned to hate those who are not like ourselves.

If we continue to define ourselves by “checking the appropriate boxes”--race, gender, ethnic origins and religion--we will continue the same pattern and never break free to create a world defined by passion.

People, our children are listening.

Laura Distarce

San Dimas